Does Australia Need Another Reform Era: Episode #178

Shane Oliver and My Bui are joined by NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey to discuss his journey into politics, the lessons of the Hawke-Keating reform era, housing affordability, tax reform, productivity challenges and the latest NSW Budget. The conversation explores cost-of-living relief, government spending, housing supply, construction innovation and why economic reform remains critical to Australia's future prosperity.

Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 03 July 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group

0:00 Introduction and meet NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey

0:25 Daniel's path into politics and economics

2:57 Life outside politics: BBQs, meat smoking and family

5:01 What it's like delivering a state budget

6:19 Hawke, Keating and Australia's reform legacy

9:00 Why successful reform requires social consensus

11:20 Inflation, wages and the role of unions

13:10 Economics, young Australians and social media

15:29 Tax reform and Australia's changing economy

20:53 Priorities of the 2025 NSW Budget

21:36 Cost-of-living relief measures explained

22:19 Housing affordability and supply challenges

24:00 Building approvals and apartment shortages

25:07 Why housing costs are higher in NSW

27:13 Construction productivity and modular housing

29:04 Planning reform and housing regulation

30:08 Controlling government spending and inflation

34:07 Public expectations of government spending

35:21 Australia's balance between fairness and ambition

36:30 Populism, politics and social media

37:25 Why Daniel remains optimistic about Australia

38:20 Closing remarks and thanks