Creating a good society, a better society or a more civil society?

Do we have a healthy balance between the state, the market and the community? Sociologist and activist Eva Cox says we need to work on how to restore government and community power to avoid dire consequences for our society.

Financial technology and the consumer revolution can help find better financial advice

The pressure has been rising for more consumer-friendly ways to navigate financial advice. Christopher Zinn has launched Adviser Ratings to help consumers find the planner they need.

Ending age of entitlement – resources under threat yet again

While he was in opposition in 2012, the then-shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey had promised to end ‘the age of entitlement’ in Australia. Laurence Strano says this raises the question of where to start.

What happened to our retirement?

Australians born after 1965 will have to work until they are 70 years old. Nicole Orr says we need a greater understanding of the secondary effects this will have on the individual, the economy and the communities of Australia.

Community services for children or commercial economic services for GDP?

The Government has asked the Productivity Commission for a public inquiry into future options for childcare and early childhood learning. Social and political researcher Eva Cox explains why she is critical of the recommendations in the draft report.

Keep the Renewable Energy Target

A government-commissioned review has recommended scaling back the Renewable Energy Target (RET). Professor Kevin Parton, an expert in the economics of climate change policy, believes this would be a mistake.

Are we adequately building the resilience of young Australians as they transition from school to work?

Young Australians experience disadvantage in the labour market for a number of reasons. Alexandra Loftus says we need to connect young people to the working world as early as possible to expose them to the realities of the job market.

Opportunities for SMEs

Australian and international thought leaders discussed the role SMEs can play in meeting the G20’s target of 2% growth above trend at the invitation of the Honourable Bruce Billson MP, Australian Minister for Small Business, and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).

HECS-style loan scheme for Paid Parental Leave provides fairness for women and taxpayers

The Abbott government’s proposed Paid Parental Leave scheme remains controversial. Matthew Taylor from the Centre for Independent Studies lays out an alternative to the Coalition’s reforms.

Come out from your corporate corner

Many companies often automatically hide behind industry bodies and issue statements which can’t be questioned. Christopher Zinn explains how media engagement can be about taking risks, not just avoiding them.

Looking for work? Lucrative job markets across the world

Jobseekers with limited employment opportunities in their hometown might contemplate relocating. Devika Arora has a brief overview of the international job market.

Acting versus reacting – planning your financial future

We don’t have much control over the recent federal budget. Michal Bodi explains which steps we can take to plan our financial future with a family budget.