It's time to end the Future Fund

In an era of rising government debt and structural deficits, Australia's once-promising Future Fund now resembles a costly financial albatross.

Friday Fodder (34/24)

Jim Chalmers should do less talking and more reforming; Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy should heed his own advice; China's leaders are getting desperate; taxing unrealised gains on Super is a bad idea; and how to fix the housing crisis.

Unpacking Australia's per capita recession

Australia's per capita recession is the inevitable consequence of past policy decisions, where attempts to curb inflation clash with the need for economic stability, leaving households and young people bearing the brunt of a painful economic adjustment.

Should unions get special privileges?

The CFMEU's recent scandals expose the risks of unchecked union power in Australia, where special privileges can lead to corruption, stifled competition, and costly consequences for the economy.

Friday Fodder (33/24)

The RBA is unlikely to move on rates any time soon; what a NSW gold mine can tell us about future investment; there is no next China; be careful what you wish for, wage disclosure edition; and most climate policies don't work.

There is no next China

Australia's economic outlook hinges on shifting global supply chains and iron ore demand, as China's manufacturing dominance faces challenges from emerging competitors and geopolitical tensions.

Quotas are always the wrong option

While quotas may seem like an easy fix for Australia's international student influx, a dynamic fee-based system would more efficiently balance demand, distribute benefits equitably, and avoid the perverse incentives of arbitrary caps.

Friday Fodder (32/24)

Price gouging is (almost) always good; the EU's tariffs could have been worse; culture beats policy when it comes to fertility; time for fiscal responsibility; and the reality of industrial policy.

False prophets, forward guidance, and failed lessons

The RBA's conflicting statements on uncertainty and accountability expose a dangerous pattern of misguided forward guidance and unlearned lessons, threatening its credibility and effectiveness in controlling inflation.

Kamala's policy-pocalypse

Kamala Harris' recent policy proposals are equivalent to the four horsemen of a policy-pocalypse: nothing but misguided attempts to address economic issues that will fail to achieve their stated goals, leading to unintended consequences.