Essays

A collection of long-form economic essays.

2025
Ken Henry's answer to that question actually explains a lot.
Labor rides its luck, the Liberals fade, while the Teals are here to stay.
The Teals promise fresh voices in Canberra and may hold the balance of power in the next government. But what's really on their agenda?
Peter Dutton needs a miracle.
A tug-of-war between tariff hard-liners and pro-trade advisors leaves jittery markets waiting on Trump's next make-or-break reversal.
No doubt many of you are still enjoying a long Easter/ANZAC Day break, but for those of you pining for some economic news, here are a few bits of interest that caught my eye this week—starting with my comprehensive essay on Peter Dutton.
Peter Dutton's constant backflips reveal a politician adrift, lacking both vision and the resolve to differentiate himself from Anthony Albanese.
This is the first of what I intend to become a regular Oz Econ Pulse, a free roundup of the economic, political, and social trends that impact Australia.
Once brimming with promise, the Albanese government has stumbled through a cost-of-living crisis, divided the nation with polarising politics, and embraced ideological economic experiments, leaving Australia weaker, less competitive, and saddled with debt.
Both major parties are set to throw cash at first home buyers, which in Australia's choked housing market, will bid up prices and unleash unintended consequences.