Tag Archives: debt

Strong Choices plan mostly good policy, but light on detail of budget impacts

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Gene Tunny

The final Strong Choices plan has arrived, and, as I commented yesterday, I’m mostly supportive of it. However, I would rather more of the lease proceeds be used for debt reduction rather than being allocated to infrastructure funds that could … Continue reading →

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Government should just sell Energex, Ergon & Powerlink

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Gene Tunny

The Government’s interesting proposition for private sector participation in Energex, Ergon and Powerlink, which raises the bulk of the $30-35 billion under the Strong Choices plan, should be attractive to investors because the businesses have reasonably reliable revenue streams they … Continue reading →

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Qld Treasury right that paying down State debt is a huge challenge

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Gene Tunny

Queensland Treasury’s new Economic and Fiscal Challenges report reiterates the huge challenge ahead in paying down debt and restoring Queensland’s AAA credit rating, which isn’t a likely prospect this decade. The projection that debt levels will stabilise at around $80 … Continue reading →

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CPD recommends endowment fund – forgets Qld has projected debt of $80 billion

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Gene Tunny

The Centre for Policy Development’s new report All Boom, No Benefit? Why Queensland needs a new economic strategy ignores some important facts about the Queensland economy and contains some half-baked policy recommendations. The report is getting media attention because it … Continue reading →

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Why have a debt ceiling?

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Gene Tunny

I have no problem with the Federal Government pushing to raise the debt ceiling to $500 billion (i.e. around one-third of the level of our GDP of $1.5 trillion), which on current projections is likely to be several tens of … Continue reading →

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Link to my interview on Commission of Audit on ABC Brisbane radio this morning

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Gene Tunny

Steve Austin from 612 ABC Brisbane radio interviewed me this morning on the Commission of Audit report. I elaborated on my view that it’s a good report because: it offers a framework for the role of Government that can guide … Continue reading →

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Debt ceiling is an important constraint on government expenditure

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Gene Tunny

I’m somewhat surprised that the Economist in its latest issue argues the US debt ceiling “serves no useful purpose and should be abolished” (From cliff to ceiling). A debt ceiling is important because it forces the Government to consider the aggregate … Continue reading →

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