Free trade isn’t dead yet

Conflict over trade dominated the economic headlines in 2019, so it’s heartening that the year ended with significant progress on three trade agreements.

Unlocking big data to find your vocation

Social media traits and values help provide an understanding of the hidden personality dimensions of different roles that could be the key to matching a person and their ideal occupation.

The revenge of the state

The ‘states versus markets’ debate has now firmly entered the realm of international relations, and ‘states’ appear to be winning.

Bleak economic prospects for the New Year

Weak GDP growth and the US-China trade dispute remain prominent economic challenges for 2020 according to UNSW’s Professor Richard Holden.

Economic growth alone can’t deliver the goods

A fairer, greener and more prosperous Australia is possible as long as political leaders focus on more than just traditional economic growth.

The long straight road to economic success

Australia’s faith in market outcomes and a strong social safety set have delivered a robust society and strong economy for the last 30 years.  

Employability is a matrix of person, context, and relationships

Allison Creed of the University of Melbourne, and Peter McIlveen of the University of Southern Queensland argue that the employability of individuals is person-centred; context-sensitive; and relational rather than a mere a shopping list of skills.

Why Asia needs to rethink the ‘sharing economy’

The roller coaster ride of the sharing economy in Asia proves it can bring real economic benefits but also that governments should only loosen regulation in the presence of adequate safeguards and amendment mechanisms.

Four questions the banks must answer

The ACCC has inquired into mortgage rates before, but the banks didn’t offer the Commission all the information as it needed.  The questions must be tougher this time around and the big banks owe Australians some straight answers.   

Why this year’s Nobel Prize for Economics matters

This year’s trio of winners – Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer received the Nobel Prize for “their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty” but their recognition is important in other ways too.

NSW network looks to a circular economy

Jobs in regional areas could receive a much needed boost from the new NSW Circular recycling and manufacturing network.

Uniting banks and regulators in the fight against financial crime

Financial institutions should be more proactive and transparent about information-sharing with law enforcement agencies to fight international fraud and money-laundering.