Is democracy a victim of COVID-19?

The sidelining of state and federal parliaments during the COVID-19 crisis, and the emergence of a dominant National Cabinet has raised few public concerns, but is it weakening our democracy?

Diplomacy at a distance

Australia’s diplomats are doing important work during the COVID-19 pandemic in the face of department cuts, as they help to ensure the safety and security of many Australians.

Contrasting Australian and German public policy

The average Australian household is wealthier yet more indebted than the average German household, partly due to tax and retirement income policies.

The national integrity watchdog needs some teeth

Australia needs a national integrity commission to root out corruption in the corridors of power – but not the one proposed by the government.

The states should get their own tax in order

Proposals to boost the GST and swap land tax for stamp duty regularly make the headlines, but somehow they never seem to happen.

Stamping out stamp duty

It’s time to reform stamp duty, one of the most inefficient and distorting taxes collected by Australia’s state and territory governments.

Politics means never having to say you’re sorry

We judge the competency of politicians by what they say and do, and this creates perverse incentives for even competent politicians to refuse to admit mistakes.

What’s next for the National Cabinet?

A new Australian institution – the National Cabinet – emerged at a time of crisis, but its success depends on how it works in practice, once the COVID-19 pandemic passes.

Securing public trust in the fight against COVID-19

From wearing seat belts to smoking bans in public places, Australia has a long history of tackling health challenges collectively, but public trust in government is a crucial ingredient in success, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The delicate art of political distancing

Next week will see a socially-distanced parliament. Only 75-77 MPs will be permitted in the House of Representatives chamber at any one time, about half the full complement of normal times.

Too much bipartisanship is bad for democracy

Scott Morrison’s creation of a national cabinet of Federal and State leaders has helped Australia maintain a united front against COVID-19, but the division between government and opposition should be maintained to safeguard democracy.

COVID-19 spurs the resurgence of the state

Unprecedented stimulus packages and interventions are being deployed to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. COVID-19 has generated the requisite conditions for a fundamental transformation in the social and economic role of the state sector.