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.

Surviving the self-inflicted recession

Governments around the world have voluntarily shut down their economies for the first time in history. How will Australia escape this unprecedented situation to restart its economy?

More than ore

Despite current political tensions, Australia’s non-traditional exports to China, including the now-threatened shipments of wine, have enjoyed runaway success since the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) was concluded in 2015.

Industrial policy won’t cure COVID woes

COVID-19 has seen governments unleash a fresh wave of industry policy as politicians abandon markets to boost their preferred industries, but it may end up doing more harm than good.

In debt to the future

Australia’s $300 billion coronavirus deficit has been called ‘eye-watering’ and may take decades to pay back, but who exactly is Australia in debt to?

Don’t underestimate Australia-US trade relations

The idea that Australia faces a tension between its security alliance with the United States and its economic relationship with China overlooks the importance of its economic relationship with the United States.

The economics of COVID-19

Policymakers need a new roadmap for navigating the balance between managing a pandemic and supporting the economy, and setting criteria and targets for action can help.