Weekly roundup Saturday 5 February
Reason and enlightenment in the parliamentary triangle
Weekly roundup of links to articles, reports, podcasts and other media on current political and economic issues in public policy.
Politics in the long election campaign
Don’t expect too much from the media who will focus on political trivia rather than public policy. Who are these pissed-off people protesting in Canberra? Political donations: can we be sure that Islamic State isn’t funding the Liberal Party? Wages in aged care – you’d do better cleaning glasses in a bar. Human rights in two countries. Ukraine and Russia – beyond the present conflict. A history of democracy in 20 minutes.
Covid-19 – a story of peaks
Worldwide – cases may have peaked. Australia – although the numbers look scary they carry encouraging messages. Remember that there are other health nasties out there.
Economics
Morrison dazzles the media with his economic wisdom (just kidding), while the Reserve Bank makes up some encouraging figures to keep us spending and asking for wage rises. Forget about the convenience store selling RAT kits for $50 – there are much more accomplished price gougers.
The tortuously slow path to decarbonization
The pressure on three regions and the need for structural adjustment. Electricity prices kept in check by renewables but Angus Taylor knows better. Labor’s love affair with gas.
Polls and elections
Trend of opinion polls gives Labor a 110 to minus 10 two-party preference by May. Portuguese stick to their socialists.
Summertime
The mood of summer – take your pick.
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