Tag Archives: australia

Intergenerational Report shows the problem, but offers no solutions

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Gene Tunny

The Intergenerational Report is a useful document in that it reinforces the need for tough fiscal measures to avoid ever-increasing budget deficits and debt – a need that has been apparent for some time – but alas the IGR offers … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Time for a Sensible Debate on Broadening the GST Net – Guest post from Michael Willis

Posted on February 22, 2015 by Gene Tunny

Last week, I spoke with Ben Davis from 4BC about broadening the GST (see 4BC interview on KPMG’s analysis of GST increase for CPA Australia). Our discussion was pretty high-level, and there were many detailed issues we could have discussed … Continue reading →

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4BC interview on KPMG’s analysis of GST increase for CPA Australia

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Gene Tunny

In response to a new report from CPA Australia (tax-reform-in-australia), the Prime Minister has ruled out changes to the GST, which is a bit of a shame, because changes to the GST should be part of any comprehensive package to … Continue reading →

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CIS still seeking students & recent graduates for Liberty & Society weekends

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Gene Tunny

The Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) is still seeking students and recent graduates to participate in either of its upcoming Liberty & Society weekends, with one in Sydney over 8-10 May and the other in Perth over 17-19 July. These … Continue reading →

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What are investors to make of depression economics?

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Gene Tunny

After the RBA Board cut the cash rate target to 2.25% last Tuesday I mentioned to a friend that the best guide to the world economy since 2008 has been Paul Krugman’s brilliant little book The Return of Depression Economics. … Continue reading →

Posted in Macroeconomy | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Strong December sales needed after lean year for Queensland retailers

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Gene Tunny

I’m looking forward to this morning’s Boxing Day sales in Brisbane CBD, which hopefully will live up to expectations of big crowds and high turnover, as historically low interest rates and lower petrol prices free up cash for discretionary spending … Continue reading →

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Budget blowout highlights risk of permanent deficits without major spending cuts

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Gene Tunny

With today’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook expected to reveal a blowout in this year’s budget deficit from around $30 billion to $35-40 billion, the Commonwealth Government is right to be reviewing childcare benefits and the proposed paid parental leave … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Productivity Commission has scope to consider student visa rorts

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Gene Tunny

One of my loyal readers often says to me that “Australians love a good rort”, and indeed there are several government policies and programs that allow rorting to various degrees. So I’m pleased that the fiercely independent Productivity Commission is … Continue reading →

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Nice introduction to business opportunities in China and elsewhere

Posted on November 18, 2014 by Gene Tunny

The Australia-China free trade agreement is great news for the Queensland economy, with scheduled reductions in Chinese tariffs on coal and agricultural products from Australia. It will also provide opportunities for people in professional and financial services (see Max Mason’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, China, Mining, Trade | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Any Strong Choices jobs boost will come too late to do anything about current weakness

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Gene Tunny

While there is more than the usual uncertainty about the reliability of recent jobs data from the ABS, yesterday’s awful data for Queensland, with unemployment now at 7% seasonally adjusted, can be read as confirming the economy is pretty weak … Continue reading →

Posted in Labour market | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments