The benefits – and pitfalls – of working alone

From Antarctic researchers to Australian truck drivers or home based ‘knowledge workers’, depression, stress, lack of motivation and eventually burnout are all possible consequences of working in isolation for too long.

Redefining workers in the platform economy

By treating workers as independent contractors, “gig economy” companies such as Foodora have avoided the cost of paying employee entitlements such as annual leave, sick leave and superannuation. However a recent ruling against them may not ensure workers rights in other similar firms.

Building our own warships is Australia’s path to the next industrial revolution

The Federal government’s substantial investment in new frigates and submarines may prove as important to our nation’s economy as it is to our military security.

We need an ecological civilization before it’s too late

One way or another, humanity is headed for the third great transformation in its history: either in the form of global collapse or a metamorphosis to a new foundation for sustainable living.

Why we should worry about Victoria’s MoU with China

Victoria’s state government has become the first Australian state to sign a memorandum of understanding with China under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, but attention should be paid to the risks as well as the rewards of the initiative.

Being bullied in the workplace is bad for your heart

People who are bullied at work or experience violence at work are at higher risk of heart and brain blood vessel problems, including heart attacks and stroke, according to international scientists.

The enduring fight for free trade

The argument for free trade must continually be made to convince a skeptical public but new measures must also take account of changing circumstances to ensure Australia’s trade remains healthy into the future.

Unlocking Australia’s productivity paradox

Predictions that new technology would unleash the boom in productivity required to increase real wages and create new jobs remain unproven as Australia’s productivity continues to lag behind increases in the past.

The ‘big boys’ can learn trade lessons from smaller states

Small states can offer positive examples of success for larger countries looking for solutions to the problems and discontents in their much larger and more complex economies.

Bigger is not always better

Economic growth is always offered as the panacea for all of society’s ills, but what if “degrowth” was actually a better path towards a fairer, more inclusive and ecologically sustainable society?

A GFC 2.0 would remake the world in dangerous ways

It may be comforting to listen to talk of temporary market corrections as stock prices fall, but the bigger question being asked by many market analysts and commentators isn’t if we are at risk of another Global Financial Crisis, but actually when the next crisis will happen.

Global trade digitisation – An opportunity for Australia

Michael Lim, Head of Trade and Supply Chain at ANZ, outlined the opportunities for digitising regional trade documents at GAP’s Economic Summit in Sydney.