Weekly roundup of links to articles, reports, podcasts and other media on current political and economic issues in public policy.
The treasurer’s economic statement – how Treasury’s outlook has changed since April. What the 6.1 percent rise in the CPI reveals: mostly it’s short term inflation but there are also longer-term structural problems. The OECD drops the gentlest of hints that we need to change the way we tax housing. “Closing the gap” – progress in some dimensions, seriously worse outcomes in others.
The rise and rise of the right
Just in the last week several readers have sent links to writings on the worldwide trend to authoritarianism and the retreat from democracy and liberalism, particularly in the USA, but with implications worldwide including Australia. These are compiled in three sub-headings.
How Dutton’s charm and constructive suggestions for good public policy are gracing Australian politics. The Essential poll has messages for Labor, the Coalition and the Greens: don’t dig yourselves into inflexible positions. More results from the May election: the opinion polls actually did a reasonably good job.
Our winter of discontent – the pandemic
Early signs that case numbers may be peaking but it’s still killing too many Australians and overworking our nurses, paramedics and doctors.
Links to sources of webinars, podcasts and readings
Although schools have re-opened, many Americans are continuing with home schooling.
Ian McAuley is a retired lecturer in public finance at the University of Canberra. He can be contacted at “ian" at the domain “ianmcauley.com” .
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