Afternoon Light Podcast

Afternoon Light is the podcast of the Robert Menzies Institute. You can listen to individual episodes by clicking on the links below, or subscribe to Afternoon Light using your favourite podcast app.

FEATURED PODCAST: 17 DECEMBER, 2025

Andrew Kemp ranking our best & worst PMs by term: "It's Whack-a-Mole"

On this week’s Afternoon Light Georgina Downer speaks with Andrew Kemp, who has recently ranked Australian Prime Ministers by the best and worst terms of government we have experienced. A fun and enlightening exercise that highlights how good governance can be judged not merely on the policy programs for which governments are elected, but ultimately on rising to the unique & unforeseeable challenges of the day.

22 Apr, 2026

Michael Gawenda on the rise of antisemitism in Australia: "Growing up... I don't even think I knew what it was"

15 Apr, 2026

Joseph Healy on what Adam Smith would make of modern Australia: "We focus so much on what is counted and lose sight of what counts"

8 Apr, 2026

Ben Saunders on the intent behind Australia's utilitarian Constitution: "The Character of the People"

1 Apr, 2026

Lydia Khalil & Zachary Gorman on the Conditions for a Successful Democracy: "They go hand in hand"

25 Mar, 2026

Bruce Kingston on the eccentricities, dominance and legacy of Queensland Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen: "The truth is"

18 Mar, 2026

Denis Porter on the importance of the Coal Industry throughout Australian History: "We were desperate for more coal"

11 Mar, 2026

Christina Twomey on Australia's treatment of our returned WW2 POWs: "Suffered on behalf of the nation"

4 Mar, 2026

Hilary Silbert on Australia's first female parliamentarian Edith Cowan: "You will not get back"

25 Feb, 2026

Alexander Downer & Tony Parkison on the life & times of Australia's longest serving Foreign Minister: "We took a view"

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