Category Archives: Social policy

If you’re sick of politics BAU, check out my Pirate Party economics podcast interview

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Gene Tunny

What does the economic policy platform of a Pirate Party look like? What does it say about intellectual property protection (i.e. copyright and patents), the Right to Repair, UBI, taxation, and business support? And what type of pirates are Pirate … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget, Industry policy, Macroeconomy, Social policy, Tax, Trade | Leave a comment

UBI podcast chat w/ Ben Phillips, ANU Associate Professor and microsimulation modeller

Posted on February 12, 2022 by Gene Tunny

My latest podcast episode features a conversation about the pros and cons of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) with my old UQ economics classmate Ben Phillips, now an Associate Professor at the ANU. Ben is one of Australia’s leading modellers … Continue reading →

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

Cannabis with Dr Stephen Thornton – latest Economics Explained episode

Posted on January 23, 2020 by Gene Tunny

Several jurisdictions around the world, such as the US states of California and Colorado, have legalised cannabis, also known as marijuana. In Australia, the Australian Capital Territory will become the first Australian jurisdiction to legalise recreational cannabis use on the … Continue reading →

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

Blunt message to states from Canberra on recreational cannabis – guest post from Stephen Thornton

Posted on September 17, 2018 by Gene Tunny

I am delighted to publish this guest post from my good friend and colleague Dr Stephen Thornton. Views expressed in this guest post are Stephen’s, and should not necessarily be attributed to me as well. GT Blunt message to states … Continue reading →

Posted in Social policy, Tax, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Should Queensland legalise recreational marijuana use?

Posted on December 16, 2016 by Gene Tunny

My friend and fellow economist Dr Stephen Thornton of Bluegreen Economics has released a report advocating for the legalisation of marijuana for recreational use in Queensland. While the Queensland Parliament has recently passed a law allowing medicinal marijuana use, we … Continue reading →

Posted in Social policy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Young Economist Award winner Lionel Page to explain how people can be “optimally irrational”

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Gene Tunny

Last year, the Prime Minister launched a behavioural economics or “Nudge” unit in his Department (see my post from last November), following similar initiatives in the US and UK. The Government is looking at how it can use the insights … Continue reading →

Posted in Social policy, Tax, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

“Why economics matters” is the theme of ESA Qld Presidency of Prof. Flavio Menezes

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Gene Tunny

With an upcoming federal election that will feature a contest over tax policy, including negative gearing and whatever proposals the Government announces, Australians should brace themselves for an onslaught of economic arguments. The Government will argue the Opposition’s policy will … Continue reading →

Posted in Labour market, Social policy, Tax, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Recent quotes from QEW in Qld Parliament and the Courier-Mail

Posted on February 20, 2016 by Gene Tunny

I was very pleased to see that Rod Bogaards’s guest post last week on the lockout laws was quoted in the parliamentary debate on the laws (see p. 216 of Hansard for Wednesday, 17 February): Mr MANDER: No, it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Infrastructure, Social policy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Update on lockout law debate

Posted on February 14, 2016 by Gene Tunny

Rod Bogaards’ recent guest post on the proposed lockout law was quoted by Paul Syvret in the Courier-Mail yesterday in his opinion piece Lockout laws’ knock-on effects need to be weighed. Regarding the proposed law, Syvret noted: The problem is … Continue reading →

Posted in Social policy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Will the lockouts and last drinks regulation work?

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Gene Tunny

Guest post by Rod Bogaards The Queensland Parliament is soon to debate lockout and last drinks legislation. To achieve the objective of reducing alcohol-fueled violence the proposed Queensland legislation needs to pass two tests: Will it be effective in addressing … Continue reading →

Posted in Social policy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments