Episode 93: Morrison’s march through the institutions uncovered, we have COVID and Albo signs up for ambitious action on climate change

"The Week on Wednesday" with Van Badham & Ben Davison

Van Badham and Ben Davison have COVID! But that doesn't stop them from examining how a decade of Liberal/National government gave Morrison the chance to stack out various Australian institutions, ranging from the ABC to the Reserve Bank.

While many appointments across government may have been on merit the uniform ideological background of people on the Reserve Bank Board have many people questioning the recent demands by the Governor of the RBA for workers to wear more pay cuts and suggesting a return to the board of a strong worker voice.

Just as Fraser, Hawke and Keating appointed the head of the Australian Union movement to the board of the Reserve Bank many are now calling for Sally McManus, or at least someone with a labour market understanding, to be appointed. If you think worker's should wear the costs of higher profits but should get decent pay rises and want one for yourself join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow

Van gives a background on where "long march through the institutions" comes from and Ben gives a rant about "If I was reserve bank governor." Did we mention they both have COVID?

COVID hasn't gone away. Van and Ben have it and discuss how, after a lull, the numbers of infections, hospitalisations and deaths are again rising. Wear a mask, get vaccinated, stay safe.

The good news is that the Albanese Labor Government has signed up to a 43% reduction in emissions by 2030. In a move that brought together stakeholders from across the environment, labour and business sectors Labor has set out an achievable ambition for real climate action.

It might be a shorter episode but we'd never forget to acknowledge our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters who Van reads out by name every episode.