Australian traders should turn to South America

Australia should not ignore the opportunities to trade more with Latin America following the historic trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur.

The strange death of the department store

Department stores were once the pinnacle of middle-class aspiration but are now losing out to discount shops and luxury retailers as well as the convenience of the internet.

Can Australia develop a rare-earth industry?

China has secured a stranglehold over the strategically important rare-earths industry, but, with the right support, Australia could develop its own rare-earth resources to supply the western world.

Poorer Australians need alternative loan schemes

A social lending scheme could help bridge the gap between traditional lenders and government welfare for the 2.1 million Australians under high levels of financial stress.

Did the Osaka G20 mark the end of economic order?

The Osaka G20 summit may yet be remembered in history as the moment the global rules based order was lost.

Australia should introduce a universal basic income

A universal basic income could allow fundamental reforms of tax rates and the labour market while improving security and equality for all Australians.

The hidden history of Australia’s own well-being framework

Australia’s treasury adopted a well-being framework well before New Zealand’s much celebrated “well-being budget”. Here’s what happened to it.

Working hard to make work fairer

A proactive model helps the Fair Work Ombudsman track down unscrupulous employers who exploit or underpay their workers.

Low paid workers get a small pay rise

Waiting for “market forces” to reverse recent record weakness in wage growth hasn’t worked. Nothing does more to create sustainable economic momentum than strong, sustained increases in the minimum wage. The Fair Work Commission is helping, but it could have been more ambitious.

Will slow wage growth decide Australia’s election?

Labor has pledged to get wages moving again while the Coalition puts its faith in the economy. How voters see this policy divide could determine who forms the next Australian government.

The false hope offered by talk of a living wage

Although it sounds attractive in theory, a higher minimum or “living wage” would give minimal assistance to some people on low incomes, while advantaging others not generally considered in need of support.

The budget needs to address underemployment

Having work, but not enough of it to meet the costs of living, is especially a problem for young people, says UNSW Professor Kristy Muir.