Parliament returning early to debate new anti-hate & gun laws

Richard Denniss discusses the government’s response to the Bondi terrorist attacks, the chaos of the Trump administration and how to protect Australia’s democracy.


On this episode of Follow the Money, Richard Denniss and Ebony Bennett discuss the political and policy response to devasting Bondi terrorist attacks, the cancellation of Adelaide Writers’ Week, Trump and the Australia-US alliance, and what to look out for in federal politics in 2026.


A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage (https://australiainstitute.org.au/sto...) is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.


Dead Centre: how political pragmatism is killing us (https://australiainstitute.org.au/sto...) by Richard Denniss is also available now.


Guest: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss (https://bsky.app/profile/richarddenni...)


Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett (https://bsky.app/profile/ebonybennett...)


Show notes:


‘Engaging with people you disagree with is part of democracy. Silencing authors is not.’ (https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/2601...) by Richard Denniss, The Point (January 2026)


After America podcast (https://australiainstitute.org.au/new...) , the Australia Institute


After America: Australia and the new world order (https://australiainstitute.org.au/sto...) by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)


Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by 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 (mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au) .


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