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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