Author Archives: Gene Tunny

Protectionist Buy Queensland policy unlikely to survive in current form

Posted on August 9, 2017 by Gene Tunny

Queensland’s new protectionist procurement policy, Buy Queensland, was the subject of discussions today between Australia’s and New Zealand’s Trade Ministers, Steve Ciobo and Todd McClay (see this AAP report). You may recall that late last month the Queensland Government announced … Continue reading →

Posted in Queensland Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

My thoughts on Deloitte’s Confidently Queensland Report

Posted on August 7, 2017 by Gene Tunny

Deloitte, one of the big four professional services firms, has recently released a very interesting and informative report titled Confidently Queensland, which presents Deloitte’s goals for Queensland in 2027: liveable communities, a diversified economy, and inclusive growth. The report was … Continue reading →

Posted in Mining, queensland, Queensland Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Quiggin calls for economically sensible road charges in outstanding Colin Clark Lecture

Posted on August 4, 2017 by Gene Tunny

UQ’s Professor John Quiggin was only called upon Wednesday to fill in for an ill Richard Holden at the annual Colin Clark Lecture at Brisbane’s old Customs House yesterday morning, but nonetheless he managed to deliver an outstanding presentation titled: … Continue reading →

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

Spit casino cancellation highlights dysfunctional system constraining development

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Gene Tunny

The Queensland Government’s politically expedient decision to cancel Chinese company ASF’s proposed casino-resort on the Spit at Southport completely stunned me yesterday. In its media release, the Government offered no good reason for why it was cancelling the project. If … Continue reading →

Posted in Gold Coast, Tourism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Gene Tunny

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

Posted on July 26, 2017 by Gene Tunny

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

Posted on July 25, 2017 by Gene Tunny

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

Posted on July 22, 2017 by Gene Tunny

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 →

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

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Gene Tunny

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?

Posted on July 16, 2017 by Gene Tunny

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