news

economy

resources June 24, 2017

Final chapter in Adani loan deal

Karen Middleton While the dealings of the government’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility remain shrouded in secrecy, pressure mounts over funding for the Adani rail line.

resources June 17, 2017

The politics of the Finkel review

Karen Middleton When Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg briefed Coalition MPs on the Finkel review’s recommendations for a clean energy target, all eyes were on Tony Abbott and his supporters.

defence April 22, 2017

Trump’s message to China on North Korea

Karen Middleton As Donald Trump toughens his rhetoric on North Korea, the implications for Australia and other neighbours are becoming clearer.

immigration May 13, 2017

Scott Morrison budgets on turn-in from the world

Karen Middleton As the treasurer squares up for a fight with the banks over a new levy, his budget finds its unifying theme in making an example of foreign money.

economy April 15, 2017

Housing affordability divides Turnbull and Morrison

Karen Middleton Debate within the government about housing affordability underscores a rift between the prime minister and his treasurer.

economy April 1, 2017

What counts as rich now?

Mike Seccombe The refusal of politicians to define ‘rich’ plays to a social confusion about how well off people actually are.

economy March 11, 2017

The truth about house prices

Mike Seccombe The crisis in housing affordability traces back to John Howard’s actions half a century ago and the lack of political will since.

education March 4, 2017

Charting the war on young people

Mike Seccombe A suite of policy settings, from wage cuts to unaffordable education, shows the government turning its back on a generation.

media March 4, 2017

Senior Liberals caution Malcolm Turnbull on style

Karen Middleton As Turnbull’s supporters become anxious about an absence of narrative and clear advice, his problems are greater than a vengeful Tony Abbott.

economy December 17, 2016

Changing employment trends and universal basic income

Mike Seccombe With wage inequality at record highs and technology plundering jobs, a universal basic income is being championed. But how to foretell the problems, let alone possible solutions?

economy November 5, 2016

The truth about claims of a faulty welfare system

Mike Seccombe Recent attacks on those who receive social security payments – and on the welfare system itself – are born of manipulated statistics and the government’s philosophy of a carrot for the rich and a stick for the poor.