Stewart Sweeney

Stewart Sweeney is a writer and public policy advocate with a longstanding interest in the evolution and future of capitalism. He migrated from Scotland to Adelaide in 1975 to work with Premier Don Dunstan on industrial democracy. A former academic and trade unionist, he continues to contribute to public debate on economic justice, democratic reform, and sustainable development. His work reflects a deep commitment to the common good and the role of public purpose in shaping Australia’s future.

Stewart Sweeney's recent articles

Not yet born: America at the crossroads

Not yet born: America at the crossroads

On a threatening June evening, America’s army turned 250 and put on a show that revealed more than it intended.

Australia's dependence on the US does not end with Trump

Australia's dependence on the US does not end with Trump

Malcolm Turnbull’s recent Foreign Affairs essay, America’s Allies Must Save Themselves, is a good intervention in the debate about Donald Trump’s impact on global order.

Beyond the sensible centre: A critical reflection on political imagination in the 21st century

Beyond the sensible centre: A critical reflection on political imagination in the 21st century

The “sensible centre” is the most overpopulated address in Australian politics today.

Dee Madigan and the art of the possible: Branding progress or boxing it in?

Dee Madigan and the art of the possible: Branding progress or boxing it in?

In the pantheon of contemporary Australian political strategists, few have the profile — or the punch — of Dee Madigan.

Australia’s billion-dollar blind spot

Australia’s billion-dollar blind spot

Australia now ranks seventh in the world for the number of publicly listed companies worth more than a billion US dollars.

From campaign genius to nation-builder? Paul Erickson and Labor’s long game

From campaign genius to nation-builder? Paul Erickson and Labor’s long game

Paul Erickson is a name rarely heard outside political circles, yet his influence runs deep.

Factional comfort gazumps innovation courage

Factional comfort gazumps innovation courage

Sandy Plunkett’s lament in the Australian Financial Review (15/5) over Ed Husic’s sacking as federal industry minister captures a familiar truth: innovation ministries in Canberra are often burial grounds for political ambition. Husic’s fall may have been sealed by factional headwinds, but the deeper problem is that “innovation” in Australia is rarely allowed to mean what it should.

After the victory: Kelty’s warning and why it’s still not enough

After the victory: Kelty’s warning and why it’s still not enough

The Labor Party has just secured a resounding second-term mandate – defying forecasts, media pessimism and internal doubts.

The vanishing elders of Australian politics

The vanishing elders of Australian politics

Australia is ageing. An estimated 14% of our population is now over the age of 70 – more than one in seven citizens.

Still waiting for the Asian Century? The world-system has moved on

Still waiting for the Asian Century? The world-system has moved on

Dr Allan Patience’s recent essay, Australia’s misunderstanding of the Asian Century, is a wake-up call we can no longer afford to ignore.

Productivity with purpose: Roy Green, structural reform and Australia’s place in the world

Productivity with purpose: Roy Green, structural reform and Australia’s place in the world

Roy Green’s recent article on productivity reform offers one of the most cogent and hopeful visions for Australia’s economic future.

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