Monthly Archives: November 2016

Qld Audit Office identifies risks to energy businesses from State debt reshuffle

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Gene Tunny

In a report published today on Queensland’s government-owned energy businesses, the Queensland Audit Office has flagged risks associated with the Government’s debt reshuffle (on the debt reshuffle, see this QEW post from December last year). Here is the relevant extract … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget, Queensland Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Should Queensland ban plastic shopping bags?

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Gene Tunny

Last week, the Queensland Government Environment Department issued a discussion paper to consult with the community on its proposed ban of lightweight plastic bags (i.e. the type you get at Coles and Woolworths). However, the scope for public consultation is … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Queensland Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Upcoming ESA Qld event: How economics improved the world in 2016

Posted on November 24, 2016 by Gene Tunny

2016 has not been a good year for economics. Brexit and the US Presidential election result both implied a rejection of free trade and free markets by large numbers of people in the UK and US. Economists have learned that … Continue reading →

Posted in qut, Retail trade, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

ABS data confirm Qld economy under-performed in 2015-16

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Gene Tunny

The annual gross state product (GSP) data the ABS published on Friday revealed Queensland’s lacklustre economic growth of 2% in 2015-16 (compared with 2.8% nationally) was heavily influenced by the transition at the end of the mining boom. The data … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Ironic that Trump may just be the shock financial markets needed

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Gene Tunny

The election of Donald Trump as US President is undoubtedly a huge shock to global financial markets. Even though it is highly uncertain what policies he will ultimately adopt and can get passed by Congress, it is highly probable he … Continue reading →

Posted in Macroeconomy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

PC ennui?

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Gene Tunny

Based on its discussion paper for its five year productivity review, the Productivity Commission appears to be suffering from ennui or world weariness. Consider this passage, which the PC has published in bold italics (on p. 17): “The Commission is … Continue reading →

Posted in IR, Labour market, Productivity, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“Luxury”: A New Way of Marketing Overpriced Apartments

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Gene Tunny

I have previously posted on the massive increase in the supply of apartments in Brisbane that we are seeing. In a market with a glut of apartment stock, developers and sales agents are trying to differentiate their own offerings as … Continue reading →

Posted in Brisbane, Housing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments