Budget Policy
24 November 2020
Lifters not leaners: Victoria steps in where the federal budget did not
The 2020 Victorian Budget is the right package for this recession. It supports the sectors and workers the Morrison Government’s budget forgot.
20 October 2020
The Government is shrinking Australia’s accountability agencies
The Audit Office brought us the sports rorts affair. Now its funding has been cut. It seems accountability is not high on this Government’s priority list.
11 October 2020
Why cheaper childcare is good economics
In the context of a ‘blokey’ Budget focused on hard-hat industries such as transport infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing, Labor’s plan to boost women’s workforce participation is welcome.
7 October 2020
Budget 2020: betting the house on business
Let’s hope the COVID recovery budget releases the missing animal spirits of the private sector — because Australia is not well hedged.
7 October 2020
Budget 2020: high-vis, narrow vision
The Morrison Government seems to think economic stimulus is all about high-viz vests and hard hats. It’s a narrow and dated view of the world of work.
6 October 2020
Don’t worry about the debt
More debt might impose a small cost over a very long time. But the cost of insufficient stimulus and a prolonged recession would be vastly bigger.
2 October 2020
Pandemic policy making requires democratic oversight
We can’t allow our political leaders to cast aside transparency and accountability under the cover of COVID.
1 October 2020
Budget 2020: the Treasurer goes for gold
A pandemic, a recession, and monetary policy almost out of puff all make this budget a high-stakes affair. Josh Frydenberg looks like he has the appetite for a red-hot go, but executing will be no mean feat.
29 September 2020
How to rebuild Victoria
Building back better after the long COVID lockdown is possible. Here’s how.
12 September 2020
The way out of the COVID-19 recession
Government policy choices in coming weeks and months will help determine how quickly Australia can recover.