In this Garage edition of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux explores a wide range of controversial and thought-provoking topics, from paid parental leave and workforce participation to the ethical challenges of genetic engineering and the future of “designer babies”.

Jeremy questions proposals to extend paid parental leave to 12 months, arguing that policymakers should focus on encouraging employment and supporting families through tax reform rather than increasing costs for businesses. He suggests income splitting and tax-deductible childcare as alternative ways to boost both birth rates and workforce participation.

The episode also examines emerging genetic screening technologies, raising ethical concerns about embryo selection and the possibility of genetic engineering. Jeremy asks whether society is prepared for the moral and social implications of choosing traits such as intelligence, height and physical characteristics, and whether this could lead to dangerous unintended consequences.

The discussion then moves to national security and social cohesion, including tensions during Ramadan, the challenge of identifying extremism, and threats directed at religious institutions. Jeremy highlights the importance of tolerance and public safety in a multicultural society.

Other topics include the rise of illegal tobacco, the Laffer Curve and tax policy, the Hindmarsh Island controversy, government spending and historical debates around Indigenous heritage claims.

This wide-ranging episode delivers Jeremy’s signature blend of economic commentary, ethical debate and strong opinion on the issues shaping Australia’s future.

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In this Garage edition of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux reflects on the growing reach of the program and the strong audience response across Auscast platforms, while delivering sharp commentary on the federal and state political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.

Jeremy discusses the South Australian election campaign, questioning why ambulance ramping — once a major political issue — is no longer front and centre, despite worsening conditions. He also explores policy ideas such as stamp duty relief to encourage downsizing, which he believes could improve housing availability.

The episode then moves to global economic and political developments, including Europe’s shift in electric vehicle policy and concerns over Chinese manufacturing dominance. Jeremy also raises alarm about rising private health insurance premiums and calls for reforms such as making private health insurance tax deductible to keep the system affordable and sustainable.

A major focus of the discussion is the cost-of-living crisis, with real wages falling behind inflation, rising electricity and insurance costs, and declining living standards. Jeremy argues that many Australians feel worse off despite official economic statistics suggesting otherwise.

The program also addresses CFMEU corruption allegations, political donations and the challenges of Royal Commissions, before turning to national security concerns around the possible return of ISIS-linked families to Australia. Jeremy strongly questions the risks and the political motivations behind the debate.

This wide-ranging episode delivers strong views on immigration, assimilation, economic management, union influence and public safety, encouraging listeners to engage in open discussion ahead of the election year.

Topics Discussed:

• Audience growth and Auscast reach

• South Australian election campaign

• Ambulance ramping and healthcare system

• Stamp duty incentives for downsizing

• Housing supply and affordability

• European EV policy and Chinese manufacturing

• Germany and electric vehicle strategy

• Private health insurance premium rises

• Government regulation of insurers

• Tax deductibility of private health insurance

• Real wages vs inflation

• Cost-of-living crisis

• Electricity and insurance costs

• Declining standard of living

• CFMEU corruption and political donations

• Royal Commission limitations

• Union influence in politics

• National security and ISIS families

• Temporary exclusion orders

• Immigration and assimilation debate

• Multiculturalism vs assimilation

• Political motivations and voter demographics

• Ukraine war anniversary

• Historical and cultural reflections

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In this Garage edition of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux delivers a strong critique of Australia’s immigration settings, economic direction and political leadership, urging the newly formed Opposition to adopt clearer and more decisive policies ahead of the next federal election.

Jeremy argues that assimilation must replace multiculturalism as the central principle of immigration, with a temporary reduction in migration numbers to help restore Australia’s standard of living and social cohesion. He also calls for a reprioritisation of natural resources, including the use of export taxes on gas to ensure Australians benefit first from domestic energy supply.

The episode explores bold tax reform ideas, including tax-deductible private health insurance and school fees, as well as making inflation tax deductible to hold governments accountable for economic mismanagement. Jeremy also discusses government spending on Indigenous programs, domestic violence initiatives and the broader issue of bureaucracy absorbing funding without delivering measurable outcomes.

The discussion then turns to housing affordability and technological innovation, focusing on robotic bricklaying as a potential solution to Australia’s housing crisis, and the resistance such disruption faces from unions and political structures.

This is a wide-ranging, unapologetic Garage session centred on productivity, accountability and restoring confidence in Australia’s future.

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In this Garage edition of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux reacts to the federal government’s $30 billion nuclear submarine construction commitment in South Australia, questioning the timing of major infrastructure announcements so close to elections and highlighting the long-term cost burden for taxpayers.

Jeremy also discusses the appointment of Angus Taylor as Liberal leader, outlining his early economic and immigration priorities while arguing that the Liberal Party must rebuild its credibility and present a clear alternative to Labor.

The episode then turns to the CFMEU corruption scandal, following new reporting by investigative journalist Nick McKenzie. Jeremy raises concerns that despite previous government commitments, serious criminal allegations and misconduct within the union remain unresolved, potentially costing taxpayers billions through inflated infrastructure projects.

Jeremy also explores the relationship between unions, political funding and government decision-making, calling for greater accountability and transparency in public spending and governance.

This edition delivers a strong focus on economic responsibility, political leadership and integrity in public institutions, continuing the Garage’s tradition of blunt and unapologetic commentary.

• $30 billion nuclear submarine construction site in Osborne

• Election timing and infrastructure announcements

• Taxpayer cost and government spending

• Australia’s Winter Olympics performance

• Angus Taylor appointed Liberal Party leader

• Immigration policy and assimilation debate

• Economic management and standard of living

• Lower taxes, inflation and interest rates discussion

• Leadership within the Liberal Party

• CFMEU corruption scandal

• Investigative reporting by Nick McKenzie

• Government response to union corruption

• Political donations and union influence

• Infrastructure project cost blowouts

• Big Build program cost increases

• Media coverage and accountability

• Waterfront union history and industrial disputes

• Role of government and unions in policing

• Political transparency and public trust

• Historical political and economic reflections

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In this Garage edition of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux reacts to another 25 basis point interest rate rise and questions whether Australians are being forced to endure cost-of-living pain that could be avoided with better economic management.

Jeremy argues that runaway government spending — now sitting at 27% of GDP — combined with high electricity costs is driving inflation and productivity decline. He criticises the NDIS as financially unsustainable and suggests alternative monetary approaches, including temporarily increasing superannuation contributions to reduce spending without crushing households.

At a state level, Jeremy questions election promises involving hundreds of millions in public spending, challenges the transparency of the not-for-profit sector, and criticises proposals to close hospital infrastructure amid ramping and bed shortages.

The episode also revisits the brumby cull in Kosciuszko National Park, calls for “castle doctrine” style self-defence protections for homeowners, and raises concerns about animal welfare in extreme heat.

As always, it’s a blunt, fast-paced and unapologetic Garage session focused on accountability, productivity and common sense economics.

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In this Garage edition of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux delivers a wide-ranging and deeply concerning commentary on political leadership, national debt, higher education and the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence. Jeremy predicts an imminent leadership change within the Liberal Party, arguing that opposition infighting is allowing the Albanese government to escape scrutiny during a worsening cost-of-living crisis.

Jeremy reflects on Australia’s economic shift since the Whitlam era, warning the nation is suffering from “reform fatigue” driven by ideology rather than outcomes. He raises alarm over skyrocketing national debt, uncontrolled government spending and the absence of meaningful cost–benefit analysis across public policy.

A major focus of the episode is the threat posed by AI to universities, professional qualifications and public trust. Jeremy warns that artificial intelligence is enabling students to graduate with credentials but without competence, undermining medicine, law, engineering and psychology. He also discusses the rise of AI-generated films, predictions that machines could overtake humans by 2047, and the growing tension between free speech and “social inclusion”.

The episode closes with a sharp critique of proposed changes to capital gains tax concessions, a reminder of Bill Shorten’s failed tax agenda, and a reflection on accountability, freedom and common sense in modern Australia.

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Broadcast from the garage, Jeremy Cordeaux delivers a wide-ranging critique of energy policy, national identity and political cowardice. He opens with Adelaide’s surging property prices and global praise for quality of life before turning to electric vehicle safety concerns, highlighting Volvo’s warning not to charge EV SUVs beyond 70 per cent due to fire risks.

Jeremy then launches into a fierce attack on Australia’s renewables-driven energy policy, arguing it has pushed inflation, interest rates and the cost of living higher while Australia exports cheap coal and gas to China and India. He questions the sustainability of rooftop solar, warning of looming disposal and replacement costs with no recycling plan in place.

The episode also tackles flag protocol and national symbolism after Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK sidelined the Australian flag on Australia Day, as well as polling showing Pauline Hanson as the country’s most popular politician. Jeremy closes with reflections on global instability, the Doomsday Clock, national pride, public safety, and what Australians should be debating next around the dining room table.

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In this Garage edition of The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux delivers a hard-hitting economic and political assessment as Parliament returns and Australians brace for another interest rate rise. Jeremy warns that soaring electricity prices — driven by government energy policy — are about to jump another 20–25 per cent, pushing households and businesses toward bankruptcy while cheap Australian coal and gas power China and India at a fraction of the cost.

He criticises runaway government spending, ballooning hospital funding commitments, and what he calls the unchecked growth, waste and fraud inside the NDIS. Jeremy also condemns $50 million in foreign aid sent to Afghanistan, questioning priorities during a domestic cost-of-living crisis. The episode takes aim at massive public-sector salary increases, media silence fuelled by government advertising, and the planned slaughter of thousands of brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park. It’s a blunt, wide-ranging and unapologetic garage session focused on accountability, priorities and the “pub test”.

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