Author Archives: Gene Tunny

Qld Gov’t should reconsider Christmas Eve public holiday as it develops its small business strategy

Posted on November 20, 2019

With the Queensland Government now consulting the community on its Small Business Strategy Discussion Paper (see Discussion open for small businesses), it should be reminded it is imposing additional costs on small businesses and discouraging some economic activity through its decision … Continue reading →

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Job platforms & recruitment agencies – latest Economics Explained episode

Posted on November 14, 2019

In my serviced office in the Johnson hotel in Spring Hill, Brisbane, I’m surrounded by recruitment agencies. There are at least four recruitment businesses on the same floor. Recruitment agencies are still with us even though hiring has been subject … Continue reading →

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One day left to apply for top Treasury jobs in Qld

Posted on November 9, 2019

I’m very pleased to see that Queensland Treasury is re-structuring itself, with a view to enhancing its economic advisory and research capabilities, something I’ve long advocated for. Applications close just before midnight tomorrow (Sunday 10 November) for a range of … Continue reading →

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Qld single-use plastics ban plan revives memory of UQ Union’s real crockery & cutlery experiment in mid-nineties

Posted on November 8, 2019

Economists are always alert to the potential for adverse unintended consequences of well-meaning policies, so the Queensland Government grabbed my attention recently when it announced it is considering a single-use plastics ban. ABC News has reported: Single-use plastics could be … Continue reading →

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Behavioural economics with Dr Brendan Markey-Towler – latest Economics Explained episode

Posted on November 7, 2019

Have you ever been “nudged”? Ever since Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein’s wildly popular book Nudge came out in 2009, governments around the world have been exploring how to use behavioural economics to help meet their policy objectives. Our own … Continue reading →

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Innovation & digital public goods with Dr Nicholas Gruen – latest Economics Explained episode

Posted on October 31, 2019

The latest episode of my Economics Explained podcast, featuring renowned Australian economist, entrepreneur, and angel investor Dr Nicholas Gruen, is now available via Simplecast and major podcast apps. I had a very enjoyable conversation with Nicholas regarding his views on … Continue reading →

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Thoughts on Jackie Trad’s interview by Steve Austin on Qld economy

Posted on October 30, 2019

CommSec’s latest State of the States report which was released Monday reported Queensland in fifth position among Australia’s eight states and territories. On Monday afternoon, 612 ABC Brisbane’s Steve Austin interviewed Deputy Premier-Treasurer Jackie Trad on the state of the … Continue reading →

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