Weekly roundup Saturday 29 January
Weekly roundup of links to articles, reports, podcasts and other media on current political and economic issues in public policy.
The frightening but fading pandemic
Omicron really is far less dangerous than earlier variants – even Norman Swan agrees. Vaccine mandates work, but right-wing crazies go for ritual sacrifice. In Australia we’ve been spooked by those terrible numbers on deaths, but it’s becoming less dangerous to go to nightclubs and to sing in church choirs.
Politics
Labor has a policy platform and Albo has revealed it. Colbeck at the cricket. Australia’s score on political corruption still ahead of Nigeria’s. The Liberal Party moving to the right of the Taliban. Federal election to be held next week? Ukraine – it’s really messy.
What is Australia?
26 million meanings of January 26. The path to an Australian head of state.
Economics
Inflation is back, interest rates to follow. Corporate bosses are well to the left of the government on climate change. How to stimulate an ailing economy – cut support to the poor. Omicron has been rather tough on the world economy.
Public ideas
A novel idea: policies should be based on principles and values. The virtue of cynicism.
Polls and surveys
What Australians know about the Holocaust. Coalition support in the doldrums. Australians’ support for Morrison just ahead of Ukrainians’ support for Putin.
Sheep and Akubras
Symbols of Australia in a campaign for independence.
If you have feasted yourself on this selection, Australian websites with regular comment and analysis on economic and political developments include The Conversation, The Grattan Institute, Inside Story, The Lowy Institute, Michael West Media, Open Forum, Pearls and Irritations.
If you have comments, corrections, or links to other relevant sources, I’d like to hear from you. Please send them to Ian McAuley — ian, at the domain name ianmcauley.com