Category Archives: Labour market

COVID-19 response with Nicholas Gruen – latest Economics Explained episode

Posted on March 26, 2020 by

Despite all the draconian measures already imposed by Australian governments, ABC health expert Dr Norman Swan thinks we still need to do more. Just after I woke up this morning, I heard him on ABC Breakfast suggesting an even wider … Continue reading →

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COVID-19 & UBI chat on ABC Brisbane radio with Katherine Feeney

Posted on March 17, 2020 by

I had an interesting conversation this afternoon with 612 ABC Brisbane’s Katherine Feeney about coronavirus and whether Universal Basic Income (UBI) might help people get through coronavirus-induced financial difficulties (from 1.55:20): 612 ABC Brisbane Afternoons with Katherine Feeney, 17 March … Continue reading →

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Gig economy & side hustle business numbers growing strongly

Posted on February 22, 2020 by

There has been strong growth in the number of gig economy and side hustle businesses in Queensland, according to ABS business counts data published last Thursday (see chart below). Topping the list of industries (at the 4-digit ANZSIC level) by … Continue reading →

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Higher long-term unemployment a marker of Qld’s under-performance relative to rest of Australia

Posted on December 30, 2019 by

In its 2019-20 Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Review released in mid-December, the Queensland Government revised down the state economic outlook, with economic growth revised to 2.5%, down from 3%, and the unemployment rate revised upwards to 6.25% from 6% for … Continue reading →

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The Gender Pay Gap with Dr Leonora Risse – latest Economics Explained episode

Posted on December 12, 2019 by

My latest Economics Explained episode on the Gender Pay Gap is now available. My guest this episode is Dr Leonora Risse, who is currently a fellow in the Women and Public Policy program at the Harvard Kennedy School. Prior to … Continue reading →

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

Posted on November 20, 2019 by

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 by

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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