Monthly Archives: July 2011

20% of Queensland youth not fully engaged (i.e. in full-time work or study)

Posted on July 30, 2011 by Gene Tunny

The slowdown in Queensland’s economy since the financial crisis has disproportionately affected young people (aged 15-19), many of whom are obviously waiting for the good times to return rather than go to TAFE or university. The chart below is from … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Labour market, Macroeconomy | Leave a comment

Gold Coast and Cairns becoming FIFO hubs

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Gene Tunny

Possibly in response to slowdowns in their local building industries, and a need for construction workers to look elsewhere for work, the Gold Coast and Cairns are emerging as hubs for fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) mine workers: Terminal deal cut for … Continue reading →

Posted in Cairns, Gold Coast, Mining | Leave a comment

Fitch’s negative outlook for Qld is bizarre

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Gene Tunny

Fitch Ratings’s negative outlook for the Queensland economy would only make sense if the US really does have an economic armageddon following the possible (though unlikely) failure to lift the US Government’s debt ceiling and this depresses the global economy. … Continue reading →

Posted in Cairns, Gold Coast, Macroeconomy, Mining | 4 Comments

Milton Friedman was right, but that doesn’t excuse a lack of ethics

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Gene Tunny

In a New York Times article in 1970, Milton Friedman – second only to Keynes in the ranking of 20th century economists  – declared that the social responsibility of business is to increase its profits (article reproduced here). This was … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

ABS Census history – Aboriginals originally not counted to deny Qld seats in parliament

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Gene Tunny

In the lead up to the 2011 Census on Tuesday 9 August, the ABS has released a fascinating set of notes on the history of Australia’s Census (Reflecting a Nation). The notes reveal that a possible motivation for our founding … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

North Qld has the most public servants per capita

Posted on July 24, 2011 by Gene Tunny

If Townsville truly does become the second (or vice) capital of Queensland, the disparity in public servants by region in the chart below (based on figures in the Qld Regionalisation Strategy) will increase:

Posted in Townsville | Leave a comment

QR should aim for value for money in train purchases and ignore pro-Maryborough lobbying

Posted on July 23, 2011 by Gene Tunny

Train manufacturer Bombardier Transportation is a major contributor to Maryborough’s economy, employing around 300 people or 3% of Maryborough’s workforce. Hence there is a lot of interest in the outcome of a recent request for tenders to build 200 trains … Continue reading →

Posted in Queensland Rail | Leave a comment

Is this innovative or a little bit creepy?

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Gene Tunny

The Brisbane Innovation Scorecard which was launched today finds that Brisbane is a thriving centre of innovation: Brisbane emerges from this survey as a world-class enabler of business innovation, with an innovation footprint which is comparable nationally. The majority of Brisbane … Continue reading →

Posted in Brisbane | Leave a comment

Is upgrading regional racecourses a priority for Government investment?

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Gene Tunny

Given the need to reduce State government debt and to restore our AAA credit rating, as well as the far more worthwhile infrastructure investment opportunities that are available, I’m surprised the Government has advanced Racing Queensland $20 million for a … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry policy, Infrastructure, Townsville | Tagged | Leave a comment

SEQ mayors’ infrastructure wish list

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Gene Tunny

The South East Queensland (SEQ) Council of Mayors released its infrastructure wish list today. Two proposed projects stood out to me as representing great value. My favourite proposed project is the: Darra to Springfield Rail Extension (to Redbank Plains) ESTIMATED COST: … Continue reading →

Posted in Brisbane, Infrastructure, Ipswich, Queensland Rail, Tourism | Leave a comment