Economic Growth
2 March 2020
Our retirement system is failing poorer Australians
There’s currently a review underway into Australia’s retirement income system, commissioned by the federal government. But what are the problems that need fixing?
2 March 2020
Forget more compulsory super: here are five ways to actually boost retirement incomes
The government’s retirement incomes review should concentrate on boosting Rent Assistance and Newstart, and fixing the pension assets test. These reforms would achieve more than boosting super.
21 September 2019
How policy makers should respond to Australia’s slowing economy
A panel of experts, including Grattan’s Brendan Coates, discuss whether the Reserve Bank of Australia is doing enough, and whether the Federal Government needs to do more, to stimulate our sluggish economy.
22 May 2019
Policy priorities for the returned Morrison government
Scott Morrison did not promise big policy changes in the election campaign. But on several issues inaction will be politically unwise. Economic growth is slowing, private health insurance is in a death spiral, home ownership is falling and homelessness rising, and energy costs and emissions are too high.
11 May 2019
At this election, voters have a clear choice on the economy
Labor is throwing out the rule book. The Coalition is sticking to the usual script. The upshot is the most distinct choice in economic policy for more than two decades.
17 April 2019
What the election should be about: priorities for the next government
A federal election is an opportunity to take stock of how we are doing, where we are going, and what governments can do about it. Grattan’s new Commonwealth Orange Book 2019 sets out the reform priorities for the next government.
29 October 2018
Australia’s dangerous fantasy: diverting population growth to the regions
A dangerous fantasy is taking hold in Australia: that government policy can divert population growth from our bulging capital cities to our needy regions. It’s a fantasy because a century of Australian history shows it won’t work. And it’s dangerous because it gives governments an excuse to avoid the hard decisions on planning and transport needed to make housing more affordable and cities more liveable.
4 December 2017
Australia isn’t dominated by big businesses that gouge customers
When we see excessive spikes in fuel prices, rapid annual increases in health insurance premiums, and a confusing array of electricity options to choose from, it is easy to conclude that big companies are using their market power to gouge their customers. But the latest report from the Grattan Institute finds claims about Australia being dominated by oligopolies are overblown. Only about 15% of the economy is dominated by large firms.
3 August 2017
Australia’s city/country divide is not as wide as you may think
Many people assume Australia’s regions are getting a raw deal compared to the big cities. But beneath the oft-told “tale of two Australias” is a more nuanced story. Cities and regions both have pockets of disadvantage, as well as areas with healthy income growth and low unemployment. But shifts in population are driving a wedge between city and regional Australia.
18 May 2017
FactCheck: do Australian banks have double the return on equity of banks in other developed economies?
In its 2017 federal budget, the Australian government included a 0.06% levy on Australia’s biggest five banks that will collectively cost the banks A$1.6 billion a year. Many commentators have suggested this cost will be passed directly onto customers. However, Scott Morrison said the banks could absorb the cost of the levy, given the size of their profits. Is that right?