Monthly Archives: May 2014

Senate inquiry should consider impact of heritage protection on housing affordability

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Gene Tunny

I was pleased to see the Queensland Government note, in its submission (available on the submissions page) to the Federal Senate Inquiry into Affordable Housing in Australia, that “local government must be more responsive and flexible if improved housing affordability is to … Continue reading →

Posted in Housing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Should Townsville port long-term lease earnings be earmarked for NQ?

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Gene Tunny

It would be poor public policy to earmark the earnings from the long-term leasing out of the Port of Townsville for investment in North Queensland, as desired by Townsville community leaders. The Townsville Bulletin reports today: A LONG-TERM lease on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Townsville, Transport | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Grattan report shows need for permanent budget measures, not temporary debt levy

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Gene Tunny

The highly regarded think tank the Grattan Institute yesterday released the 2014 update of its excellent Budget pressures on Australian Governments report. The report makes it clear that Governments need to take permanent measures to repair budgets, not short-term fixes … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Weekend reading and listening – 3-4 May 2014

Posted on May 3, 2014 by Gene Tunny

Recording of my interview by Pat Hession on Townsville radio on the National Commission of Audit report: Reworking the Budget Excellent article on how to save money on pharmaceutical benefits spending: PBS savings: two sides of the coin Great paper from the CIS’s … Continue reading →

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Commission of Audit report brings back memories of Fightback!

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Gene Tunny

The Federal Treasury and Finance Departments have been very influential in shaping the National Commission of Audit report released yesterday. It targets a lot of expenditure items and Government bodies that Treasury in particular doesn’t like, such as industry assistance … Continue reading →

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