Economists call for a cut in interest rates, but the RBA thinks the unemployment queues are still too short; the Greens and the ABC help launch a far-right political movement and land a blow on secularism; the case for disenfranchising men. Read on for the weekly roundup of links to articles, podcasts, reports and other media on current economic and political issues.

Economics

Independent economists believe the economy is due for a cut in interest rates, while the RBA remains obsessed with the CPI. An economic optimist infiltrates the RBA top ranks. Why the governments Future Made in Australia is the right policy for a tricky global economic environment. How a dumb capital-gains policy thwarts the RBAs attempt to use interest rates to suppress demand. Your next electricity bill explained: electricity prices are falling but corporate profits and waste are rising.

Health policy

If we want to ease hospital queues wed better pay more tax. A snapshot of Australias health.

Politics

The Greens brilliance in spawning a new hard-right political movement and undermining secularism. Why do journalists, including ABC journalists, keep telling us how badly were doing, fertilising the ground for populist demagogues offering simple solutions to complex problems? What we can learn from the failure of the Voice: theres more to it than Duttons disgraceful behaviour. What the polls reveal: women continue to turn off the Coalition and its silly ideas for nuclear energy. Elections in two European countries: nothing conclusive yet. Welcome to a new Governor-General.

Public ideas

The case for seven weeks annual leave, but economists would settle for five weeks. The case for disenfranchising men, but are identity concerns displacing concerns for gender equality?

July 4

Jingoism-free American patriotism.