Less is more

Climate change is quickly spiralling out of control, and there is limited time left to dispel the threat. Jason Hickel’s new book offers a new solution which over turns decades of economic thought.

Hitting the sweet spot

The post-COVID recovery provides a rare opportunity to rebuild a better economy that can support living standards without irretrievably damaging the environment.

5 summer reads on economics

Economics may be the ‘dismal science’ and not everyone’s idea of fun holiday reading, but understanding new thinking on the economy in the wake of recent health and environmental crises may be a good investment of your time.

Timtams, wine, and whisky

Trade deals have become the single most important issue for a post-Brexit UK. As Australia is experiencing its own trade tensions, the time is ripe for an Australia-UK trade deal to become a reality.

The billion-dollar backpack

Backpackers are worth a billion dollars to the Australian economy as both tourists and temporary workers and their return to these shores will be an important part of the post-COVID economic recovery.

Waste not, want not

The COVID-19 slowdown gives us a golden opportunity to “reset our materials economy along more sustainable lines”, says human geographer Ruth Lane.

The boom is bust

Whether it’s the gold rush of the 1850s, the mining booms of the early 2000s, or the China market boom of the past six years, Australians never like to admit the good times are over, but we’ve got a pretty good record of finding new sources of prosperity.

Tackling the scourge of unemployment

A high unemployment rate isn’t just bad for individuals without a job, and the costs aren’t just financial.

Do the tax cuts make sense?

The government has brought forward its planned tax cuts, and while some say we shouldn’t be cutting taxes during a recession, the plan has its merits if the economy is to recover from the COVID lockdowns.

Generation debt

Coronavirus measures have plunged Australia into recession after 20 years of growth. How will the Budget help Australia recover from the greatest economic shock in living memory?

Research collaboration key to economic recovery

The new focus on science and research and development in the Morrison Government’s manufacturing strategy has been welcomed by Australia’s leading science body.

Assessing the economic benefits of defence procurement

New guidelines may clarify the domestic economic impact of increased defence expenditure, but the final figures may remain unclear.