There are lots of people worried that the housing changes in the federal budget are going to hurt renters by reducing the number of rental properties and pushing up prices. But there is no need to worry. These changes will not increase rents.
One of the risks for higher inflation comes from the data centre boom we are now seeing. The RBA’s liaison with business has detected that data centres are hoovering up construction workers, adding to capacity constraints in the economy.
During yesterday's question time, Liberal MP Tim Wilson wanted to know why the number of first-home buyers dropped “more than 6% this calendar year.” This, however, was a very weird question, because he was comparing the June 2026 quarter to the December 2025 quarter. That is like comparing apples and oranges.
The latest data show real wages are going backwards, but Reserve Bank keeps seeing ghosts.
On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss another quarter of no “wage-price spiral”, plus the passage of massive NDIS cuts and gambling legislation through parliament.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 20 August 2026.
If this episode raised issues for you, you can call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free, professional and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or visit Gambling Help Online at www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.
If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or online at www.lifeline.org.au.
More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.
Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut
Quality research, analysis, explainers and factchecks from experts you can trust.
Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek
Show notes:
Australia’s drop in real wages is a disaster. But the profits of major corporations are doing just fine by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (August 2026)
Polling – banning gambling advertisements, the Australia Institute (May 2026)
National Gambling Toll, the Australia Institute
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.
