Richard Denniss

Richard is the Chief Economist at The Australia Institute, a progressive think tank that conducts research on a broad range of economic, social and environmental issues in order to inform public debate and bring greater accountability to the democratic process.

An economist by training, Richard has worked for the past 20 years in a variety of policy and political roles. In recent years he's been at the forefront of the national policy debates surrounding climate change policy and the Australian mining boom.

Prior to working at The Australia Institute, Richard was strategy adviser to then Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Bob Brown, and was Chief of Staff to the then Leader of the Australian Democrats, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja.

Richard is known for his ability to translate economics issues into everyday language. He's published extensively in academic journals, has a fortnightly column in The Canberra Times and Australian Financial Review and was the co-author of the best-selling Affluenza (with Dr Clive Hamilton).

His latest book, Econobabble, is a must-read for anyone working to create social change in Australia.