Monthly Archives: June 2021

Brisbane inner city and Qld outback get highest Qld Gov’t capital spending per person

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Gene Tunny

Here’s the latest version of a chart I usually prepare following each state budget on Queensland Government capital spending per person by region (i.e. the ABS SA4 regions). The very high per person spending figure for the Queensland outback is … Continue reading →

Posted in Infrastructure, Queensland Government | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Our slow slide into totalitarianism

Posted on June 29, 2021 by Gene Tunny

As Brisbane residents wait for news about what seems to be an inevitable lockdown, we ought to recall the words of British statesman William Pitt the Younger (1759-1806): Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Brisbane | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Here we go again (without JobKeeper) + Cross River Rail looking like an even worse investment now

Posted on June 24, 2021 by Gene Tunny

Firstly, what more can we say about the latest border restrictions other than here we go again, although this time without JobKeeper. Needless to say, this will bring more economic hardship to tourism businesses who need all the trade they … Continue reading →

Posted in Transport | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The role of nuclear energy in decarbonising economies – my latest podcast episode

Posted on June 19, 2021 by Gene Tunny

Last Wednesday, I recorded a conversation with my Adept Economics colleague Ben Scott about the research project he completed on nuclear energy as part of an ANU Parliamentary Internship, a program which saw him placed in Queensland Senator Matt Canavan’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Brisbane Council CEO $700k pay chat with Scott Emerson on 4BC

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Gene Tunny

I had a good chat with Scott Emerson on his 4BC Drive program on Tuesday afternoon about the fat pay packet of Brisbane City Council boss Colin Jensen, who is paid over $700k each year, placing him easily in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Brisbane | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Qld Treasurer gives a master class in budget shenanigans

Posted on June 15, 2021 by Gene Tunny

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick has soared to previously unattained heights of state budget creative accounting, and I must admit I’m rather impressed by the cleverness of it all, while at the same time being appalled the Treasury would let him … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Qld Gov’t to waste $53M attracting temporary film industry activity

Posted on June 14, 2021 by Gene Tunny

After the Queensland Government was willing to spend $8 million to attract a one-night State of Origin game to Townsville last week, it’s unsurprising it will be willing to spend $53 million attracting film productions providing only temporary economic activity … Continue reading →

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

Cash-strapped Qld Gov’t to charge interstate migrants

Posted on June 11, 2021 by Gene Tunny

Once upon a time, the Queensland Government tried to attract people from interstate by cutting taxes and charges. For instance, Sir Joh famously abolished death duties in the seventies. But times have changed. Now we have a cash-strapped state government … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The downside of Australia’s isolation strategy

Posted on June 8, 2021 by Gene Tunny

To political leaders, it often seems easier and less risky to stick with current restrictions, and a lesson from history is that government restrictions often last much longer than is justifiable. Hence, four years after the end of the War, … Continue reading →

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

Coal comeback good news for Qld economy

Posted on June 7, 2021 by Gene Tunny

Last week saw a surge in coal prices due to global demand and supply factors (some of which are likely only temporary), as discussed in a nice piece by Bloomberg journalists reprinted by the Brisbane Times It’s not over for … Continue reading →

Posted in Mining | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment