Ending Australia's great gas giveaway

With the federal budget looming, a gas export tax would drive down prices and fund vital public services at a time when Australians are feeling the pinch.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the case for a 25 per cent gas export tax, why global foreign aid spending has plummeted, and the likelihood of the government announcing reforms to housing investor tax concessions ahead of the May federal budget.

This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 22 April 2026.

Visit The Point for research, analysis, explainers and factchecks from experts at the Australia Institute and beyond.

Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut

Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek

Show notes:

Capital gains tax changes are on the table, and yet Armageddon has not arrived. Has the tide on housing turned at last? by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (April 2026)

Richard Denniss and Konrad Benjamin (aka Punters Politics) at the Senate Select Committee on taxing gas, The Australia Institute on YouTube (April 2026)

Taxing gas in Australia and Japan by Richard Denniss, Rod Campbell & Matt Saunders, the Australia Institute (April 2026)

International aid enters historic decline with Australia among lowest contributors by Tegan George, The Point (April 2026)

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Dollars & Sense on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

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