What's the Big Idea?
There is no shortage of solutions for the biggest problems Australia faces — only a shortage of bravery to implement them. Host Paul Barclay asks contributors to Australia Institute Press' first book about their big picture thinking on how we can change Australia for the better.
Episodes
Australians know how to solve national problems, but our political system protects the duopoly that creates them. That’s why we need proportional representation.
On this episode, Paul Barclay is joined by former senator Christine Milne who brings her expertise and insights on how proportional representation and minority governments can be much more democratic, diverse, and help reduce corporate lobbying power.
This discussion...
The ABC is always under attack. The best thing we can do for democracy is defend it.
On this episode, Paul Barclay talks with Alex Sloan about the importance of independent public broadcasters, why they need to be well-funded in an increasingly privately-owned media landscape, and how they are the barometer of a strong democracy.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 19 March 2025, and things may have changed since the recordin...
There’s nothing indulgent about public funding for Australian culture. More funds would fix many of the sector’s problems.
On this episode, Adelaide Writers Week director Louise Adler joins Paul Barclay to talk about the biggest challenges facing the arts sector, including higher costs and prices, greater reliance on philanthropy and greater vulnerability to political controversies.
This discussion was...
In a world of uncertainty, it is more important than ever for Australia to stop dismissing ourselves as a ‘middle power’ and start exerting our influence on the global stage.
On this episode, Allan Behm joins Paul Barclay to discuss Australia’s diplomatic strategy of ‘pre-emptive capitulation’, America’s international bullying and how Australia should use its unrecognised national power.&nb...
To end the housing crisis, governments need to stop subsidising private investors and instead directly invest in social housing.
On this episode, Maiy Azize joins Paul Barclay to discuss the housing crisis, how the government stopped directly providing housing and started subsidising private investors, why immigration is not to blame, how the housing crisis is an inequality crisis, why ‘supply’ is not the main pro...
When it comes to solving the biggest national problems, a bit of courage leaves political caution for dead. Now’s not the time for politeness.
On this episode, Paul Barclay talks with the Australia Institute’s climate and energy research director, Polly Hemming. There’s no chance of solving Australia’s biggest challenges—inequality and poverty, environmental destruction, climate change and politi...
We have restricted export industries in the past.
Australia is a rich country that can afford anything that is a priority. Dispelling myths about our economy helps Australians make choices about what kind of country we want to be.
On this episode Dr Richard Denniss joins Paul Barclay to discuss the importance of truth in democracy, the myths that mining is Australia’s economic ‘backbone’ and that Austr...
There is no shortage of solutions for the biggest problems Australia faces — only a shortage of bravery to implement them.
Host Paul Barclay asks contributors to Australia Institute Press' first book about their big picture thinking on how we can change Australia for the better, in this new limited series podcast.
Support What's the Big Idea?: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...
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