Unions are making a comeback. Labour disputes around the world have hit the headlines as unions take action to challenge inequality. But while media coverage has increased, understanding of unions has not.

Liam Byrne seeks to illuminate what unionism means, exploring why successive generations of working people organised unions and nurtured them for future generations.

Liam spoke at Per Capita's John Cain lunch in June 2025.

Visit www.percapita.org.au for more on our research and events. Per Capita's podcasts are recorded and produced on Wurundjeri land.

Welcome back to Re:CAP!

On this episode, acting Executive Director, Sarah McKenzie is joined by the Executive Director of the Chifley Research Centre, Emma Dawson, to chat about how the upcoming federal parliament will be the first gender-equal parliament in Australian history.

Read Sarah’s blog on this historical achievement: “A Question of Quotas”

If you’re a young policy student or professional looking to network or learn more about passing progressive policies, then check out our Policy Hive.

For more on our research and advocacy, visit the Per Capita website.

Per Capita's podcasts are recorded and produced on Wurundjeri land.

Is big policy reform still possible? Does Australia have the political will to tackle generational issues such as climate change, the housing crisis, rising inequality and Closing the Gap?

Legendary Labor policymaker Jenny Macklin believes that if Australia wants to remain prosperous and fair, big policy reform is not just possible, it's essential.

Listen to our May John Cain Lunch, with Labor’s Jenny Macklin and co-author Joel Deane.

Purchase "Making Progress: How good policy happens?" here.

Visit www.percapita.org.au for more on our research and events.

Per Capita's podcasts are recorded and produced on Wurundjeri land.