Richard is currently Chief Economist at The Australia Institute and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Australian National University. He is known for his ability to translate economics issues into everyday language.

Richard has published extensively in academic journals, has a fortnightly column in the Canberra Times and Australian Financial Review and was the co-author the best-selling Affluenza (with Dr Clive Hamilton). His latest book, Econobabble, was launched by Laura Tingle in February 2016.