Episode 91: A decade of economic damage, minister making their mark, NSW workers face down wage cuts and good news about sea grass

Van Badham and Ben Davison look at what's happening in our economy as the Reserve Bank raises rates, inflation spikes and wages continue to go backwards in real terms.

Van and Ben get underneath the headline figures to look at what's really driving inflation, who's profiting and why wage increases are exactly what we need to get the economy humming.  You can get your wages moving by joining your union at australianunions.org.au/wow

They also examine how the Liberal/National policies of the last decade put more workers on minimum rates, forced more people into their own "business" (with no employees and revenues of less than an average wage) and what the "Uberfication" of growing sectors means for job security and wages.

It has only been a little over two weeks and already Albo and his ministers are making their mark on everything from foreign relations to the minimum wage, from arts policy to the NDIS.  Van and Ben look at some of the highlights, including the departure of the CEO of the NDIA and the Charities Commissioner, along with some of the policy statements from the ministers.

In NSW the Perrottet government is trying to divide workers through a series of industrial bully boy tactics, selective bribes and divisive language.  But as today's public sector walk off shows, the workers of NSW remain united whether they are in teaching, higher education, health, nursing, transport, railways or a paramedic.  Check out psa.as.au for details of the latest actions.

And there is good news about the worlds largest plant, right here in Australia!

Plus we give shout outs to our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters who have grown the audience of The Week on Wednesday to nearly 50,000 a month, you can check out the supporter page at www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday