Category Archives: Queensland Government

Special deals can be bad deals for Government – my comments in today’s Courier-Mail re. Maryborough trains contract

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Gene Tunny

The Queensland Government is facing big questions over the closeness of two prominent lobbyists to the highest levels of government in the state (e.g. see this Brisbane Times report). I don’t necessarily have a problem with lobbyists, so long as: … Continue reading →

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No Qld upper house means poorly thought through legislation

Posted on November 11, 2020 by Gene Tunny

Queensland has too many poorly thought through pieces of legislation, arguably due to the lack of an upper house and the failure of Parliamentary Committees, ruled by the Government of the day, to properly scrutinise legislation. This is clear today, … Continue reading →

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Regulations rushed through in Qld, as revealed by QPC Annual Report 2019-20

Posted on October 3, 2020 by Gene Tunny

The Queensland Productivity Commission’s 2019-20 Annual Report has revealed a huge increase in the number of state government regulatory changes which have been excluded from the rigour of the normal regulatory assessment process (see chart below, which is based on … Continue reading →

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Hollywood subsidies by Qld Gov’t kept hidden – Qld Right-To-Info process a huge joke

Posted on September 10, 2020 by Gene Tunny

I’ve long argued that the current approach to assisting the film industry, focused on luring international film productions, is wasteful, doesn’t achieve any important public policy goals, and is politically motivated, so drab politicians can benefit from some Hollywood glamour. … Continue reading →

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Catch up on COVID-19 with Joe Branigan

Posted on August 5, 2020 by Gene Tunny

I fear that the draconian stage 4 restrictions in Victoria and Queensland’s re-imposition of the hard border with NSW are over-the-top, disproportionate policy responses that will cause unwarranted economic and social harm, both short and long-term. Earlier today, I chatted … Continue reading →

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Opening remarks to Qld Parliamentary Inquiry on economic response to COVID-19

Posted on July 14, 2020 by Gene Tunny

Yesterday I was part of a panel of economic experts consulted by the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into the state government’s economic response to COVID-19. The notes I used for my opening remarks are reproduced below. The proceedings were broadcast via … Continue reading →

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Australian coverage of my upcoming Qld Parliamentary Inquiry appearance

Posted on July 10, 2020 by Gene Tunny

Thanks to Sarah Elks for her story in The Australian today regarding my upcoming appearance at the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into the state government’s economic response to the pandemic: Coronavirus: Queensland’s small-business grants ‘are a waste of money’ First, I … Continue reading →

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Upcoming Qld Parliamentary COVID-19 Inquiry appearance

Posted on July 7, 2020 by Gene Tunny

Next Monday I’ll be appearing, via Zoom, at a public hearing of the Queensland Parliament’s Inquiry into the Queensland Government’s economic response to COVID-19. I’m a member of a Panel of Economic Experts which also includes UQ Professor John Quiggin, … Continue reading →

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Premier’s border decision helps, but it’s still early days in any recovery from virus recession

Posted on July 1, 2020 by Gene Tunny

The Queensland Premier’s decision to reopen the border to non-Victorian interstate travellers and to bring forward the relaxation of a range of restrictions will no doubt provide a bit of a boost to the economy (e.g. the Courier-Mail is reporting … Continue reading →

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Qld Gov’t COVID-19 Adaption Grants program poorly designed

Posted on June 29, 2020 by Gene Tunny

The Queensland Government’s $200 million COVID-19 Adaption Grants program for small businesses is poorly designed and pretty embarrassing, with the Employment Minister Shannon Fentiman today telling businesses “My strong advice is get in quick.” I was stunned when I read … Continue reading →

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