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.

What’s in store for Facebook Libra?

Facebook is working on a cryptocurrency called Libra, which it hopes will be used by millions of Facebook users in developing countries who don’t own a bank account.

Slowing growth may mean some tough decisions

We’ve entered out 29th year of uninterpreted economic growth, but our chances of continuing the streak may depend on making some difficult choices.

Australia’s booming trade with China will shape strategic policy

Diplomatic relations may have been strained, but Australia’s trade relationship with China is growing ever closer. The latest trade report shows that China was the destination for a record 40% of Australia’s exports in June.

Maximising the economic benefit of Australia’s defence projects

The Department of Defence needs to ensure that current and future megaprojects actively foster Australian innovation and maximise local industry involvement in areas of high economic value.

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.