Surviving the self-inflicted recession

Governments around the world have voluntarily shut down their economies for the first time in history. How will Australia escape this unprecedented situation to restart its economy?

More than ore

Despite current political tensions, Australia’s non-traditional exports to China, including the now-threatened shipments of wine, have enjoyed runaway success since the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) was concluded in 2015.

Industrial policy won’t cure COVID woes

COVID-19 has seen governments unleash a fresh wave of industry policy as politicians abandon markets to boost their preferred industries, but it may end up doing more harm than good.

In debt to the future

Australia’s $300 billion coronavirus deficit has been called ‘eye-watering’ and may take decades to pay back, but who exactly is Australia in debt to?

Don’t underestimate Australia-US trade relations

The idea that Australia faces a tension between its security alliance with the United States and its economic relationship with China overlooks the importance of its economic relationship with the United States.

The economics of COVID-19

Policymakers need a new roadmap for navigating the balance between managing a pandemic and supporting the economy, and setting criteria and targets for action can help.

The road to recovery

Even as Victoria confronts a six-week shutdown in response to emerging coronavirus cases, other states are reopening. Policy responses must reflect the needs of the most vulnerable, say UNSW Business School’s Leisa Sargent and John Piggott.

A universal basic income might get us through the Covid recession

A universal basic income could help the economy recover after COVID-19, remove the work disincentives current benefits create and improve equity and social cohesion.

Putting workers first?

The focus on economic recovery will be an opportunity for unions and employers to initiate major change in industrial relations.

6 ways to bring back the Australian economy

The government faces a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rebuild and reshape Australia’s economy for the better as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 lockdown.

Time for a new union accord?

Can the PM take a leaf from Bill Kelty’s book on industrial relations reform and bring the trade union movement together through social solidarity?

Whither Australia-China trade?

The Australia-China trade relationship is currently under significant strain.  In the long run, increased protectionism would not improve Australia’s economic welfare.