Monthly Archives: July 2017

PC scathing of Qld sugar industry’s “dependency psyche” & “back to the future” re-regulation

One of the low points for the current Queensland Government occurred in late 2015, when it failed to stop the Real Choice in Marketing legislation advanced by Katter’s Australian Party with support from the Opposition and Billy Gordon. This provided … Continue reading

Posted in Agriculture, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

ACCC Chairman critical of market share of Qld State-owned power generators

Yesterday morning, in one of the best interviews of a public official I have ever heard, ACCC Chairman Rod Sims gave frank and informative replies to ABC Brisbane’s Steve Austin on the state of the electricity sector and the inquiry … Continue reading

Posted in Energy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Greater use of Gold Coast beaches by restaurants & cafes would boost tourism

Mike Winlaw, CEO of the Surfers Paradise Alliance, a business chamber, has suggested the Gold Coast take inspiration from Bali and allow commercial operators greater access to the beachfront. The Gold Coast Bulletin reports that Mr Winlaw said: “Many tourism … Continue reading

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On the upcoming Ted Evans lecture & Qld’s recent employment trends

On 14 September, the Economic Society of Australia (Qld), of which I am the Secretary, is hosting the inaugural Ted Evans Public Policy Lecture at Customs House, Brisbane. The inaugural lecturer will be none other than former Treasury Secretary Ted … Continue reading

Posted in Labour market, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Queensland’s economic transition since the end of the mining investment boom

According to the Brisbane Times, at the LNP state conference on Sunday, Queensland Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls was highly critical of the Government’s economic management: “…you certainly can’t create jobs or effectively manage our finances when the Queensland domestic economy … Continue reading

Posted in Macroeconomy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Is North Qld under-funded by the State Government relative to the South East?

In Saturday’s Courier-Mail, State Affairs Editor Steven Wardill reported on the unmovable perception among North Queenslanders that their region is under-funded by the State Government, despite official data showing otherwise. Wardill noted: Facts and figures are dismissed out of hand. … Continue reading

Posted in Infrastructure, North Queensland, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Sweetheart deal to lure Land 400 “war machine” contract winner to Qld undesirable

If we want the most efficient and productive economy possible, with the largest number of sustainable jobs, then we should aim to minimise the taxes and charges on all businesses, not just the favoured few which have the resources to … Continue reading

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

ID scanning law a risk to night time economy and Brisbane’s growing international reputation

When I picked up the most recent issue of Monocle, I was pleased to see Brisbane in the list of the world’s top 25 cities, but I suspect Tyler Brule and his Monocle staff would be aghast at Queensland’s new … Continue reading

Posted in Tourism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments