Monthly Archives: February 2011

Traffic congestion is deadly

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Gene Tunny

Here’s some bad news for Brisbane commuters who endure the slow crawl along Coronation Drive and our other major roads in peak hour – traffic congestion can cause heart attacks, according to a new study published in the pre-eminent medical journal … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Transport | Leave a comment

Should Australian taxpayers subsidise Baz Luhrmann’s Gatsby movie?

Posted on February 26, 2011 by Gene Tunny

The Great Gatsby is among two novels with a legitimate claim to being called the Great American Novel – the other being the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – so it’s surprising Baz Luhrmann is making his $120 million Gatsby adaptation … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry policy | Leave a comment

Post flood Brisbane economy sluggish, but should pick up soon

Posted on February 24, 2011 by Gene Tunny

The spirits of Brisbane western suburbs residents and office workers were no doubt lifted when they first saw the sign announcing that the McDonalds on Milton Rd, next to the still closed BP and Officeworks, is reopening on 28 February. … Continue reading →

Posted in Brisbane, Mining | 1 Comment

Reforming apprenticeships

Posted on February 23, 2011 by Gene Tunny

Around 50% of apprenticeships in Queensland are cancelled before they are completed, raising a question about whether apprentice wages are too low relative to welfare payments. Of course, if apprentice wages were higher, employers might not take them on. Today’s … Continue reading →

Posted in VET | Leave a comment

Is it sensible for governments to take out disaster insurance?

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Gene Tunny

SA Senator Nick Xenophon is pushing the Commonwealth Government to force state governments to take out disaster insurance, in return for his support of the flood levy: States may be forced to take out disaster insurance This may not be … Continue reading →

Posted in Cyclones, Floods | Leave a comment

Queensland’s fiscal performance has slumped, but we’re still doing fine

Posted on February 19, 2011 by Gene Tunny

As was made clear when the Queensland Government lost its AAA credit rating in early 2009, our Government’s financial circumstances have deteriorated somewhat in recent years. A new report from the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS), a conservative though non-partisan … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget, Infrastructure, Population | Leave a comment

Gladstone’s tight rental market

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Gene Tunny

The LNG-led boom in Gladstone is raising local concerns about a housing/rental crisis, as reported in yesterday’s Gladstone Observer: Housing/rental crisis not unique The tight rental market has prompted the usual criticisms of real estate agents and landlords: Gladstone Mayor … Continue reading →

Posted in Gladstone, Housing, Mining | Leave a comment

AWU pushes to end ban on uranium mining in Queensland

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Gene Tunny

A fierce debate will no doubt follow calls from Australian Workers Union (AWU) heavyweights Bill Ludwig and Paul Howes to end the ban on uranium mining in Queensland: “ There is an abundance of uranium in Queensland which is currently … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy, Mining | 1 Comment

Council could save $22 million by allowing Milton Tennis Centre site development

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Gene Tunny

Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman today announced that he wouldn’t repair the river walk without federal funds and that the Council will delay a number of road projects and scrap some non-essential council projects (e.g. $4.8m for Vibrant Laneways) to … Continue reading →

Posted in Floods, Population | Leave a comment

Global milk price rises may surprise Australian consumers

Posted on February 14, 2011 by Gene Tunny

Australian consumers, who can now buy unbranded milk at $1 per litre at Coles and Woolies, may be surprised by news that milk prices are rising across the world, as reported in Businessweek: Feb. 14 (Bloomberg) — High milk prices … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Retail trade | Leave a comment