Author Archives: Gene Tunny

Unemployment keeps rising as sub-trend growth continues

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Gene Tunny

According to ABS labour force data just released, Queensland’s unemployment rate is now 6.8% seasonally adjusted and 6.5% in trend terms (see chart below). In part, this must be related to the mining slowdown and the sub-trend economic growth we’ve … Continue reading →

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

Students to rally against bureaucratic inefficiency

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Gene Tunny

While out at the University of Queensland today, I picked up the above flyer in the uni refectory regarding a rally against the new Tertiary Transport Concession Card (TTCC), which is designed to ensure only people genuinely studying can claim … Continue reading →

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

Brunswick St Mall should have been re-opened to traffic

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Gene Tunny

The Brunswick St Mall facelift is now complete (see Brisbane Times coverage), but I remain of the view that the Mall should have been re-opened to traffic instead. From an economic perspective, I suspect the costs of having a mall … Continue reading →

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

Leading US supply-side economist Dan Mitchell to speak at Economic Society event

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Gene Tunny

Dan Mitchell, Cato Institute As Deputy Secretary of the Queensland branch of the Economic Society of Australia, it’s incumbent upon me to promote an upcoming Society event in Brisbane on Wednesday 20 August, at which leading US supply-side economist Dan … Continue reading →

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

What is the Four Pillars’ share of the Queensland economy?

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Gene Tunny

Last week I noted how Nick Behrens of CCIQ made the good point on Steve Austin’s ABC radio show that the Queensland economy is much more than the so-called four pillars of agriculture, construction, resources (i.e. mining) and tourism. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Mining, Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Good employment outlook for Qld, but still waiting for strong economic recovery

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Gene Tunny

Steve Austin had a good chat with Nick Behrens from CCIQ yesterday morning on 612 ABC Brisbane, covering the economic outlook for Queensland and the Queensland Plan (What the job market in Queensland will look like in the future). Nick … Continue reading →

Posted in Housing, Labour market, Macroeconomy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

IR reform should have same priority as tax reform

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Gene Tunny

Jessica Irvine has a great piece in the News Limited media today on how Tony Abbott must act now to reverse Australia’s economic demise. I agree with her that reforming the tax system is extremely important, but I’m surprised she … Continue reading →

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

Good news for regional Qld if Carmichael mine goes ahead – jobs market weaker than in SEQ

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Gene Tunny

The big news for the Queensland economy today is the Federal Government’s approval, subject to meeting environmental conditions, of Adani’s massive Carmichael Coal and Rail Project. There are, however, doubts about whether the project remains economically viable given the downturn … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Productivity and Privatisation – panel discussion at Griffith University, Southbank

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Gene Tunny

I was delighted to speak alongside productivity expert Dean Parham at a Griffith University panel discussion earlier tonight on productivity and privatisation. Thanks to Alex Robson of Griffith for organising the excellent, well-attended event. My prepared remarks are below. I … Continue reading →

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

Unclear whether Qld Govt will have evidence needed to win asset sales debate

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Gene Tunny

The Queensland Government is right to have begun advertising for advisers on asset sales, to ensure that assets such as CS Energy and Stanwell are sold in a timely fashion after the next election (Government advertises for asset sales advisors). The … Continue reading →

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