Weekly roundup Saturday 5 March

Think of something

Is housing supply catching up with demand?

Weekly roundup of links to articles, reports, podcasts and other media on current political and economic issues in public policy.

The Russia-Ukraine war

It would be possible to provide links to several thousand well-informed commentators: a couple of panel discussions, one hosted by the ABC’s Stan Grant, the other from Harvard’s Kennedy School, cover most aspects. Also remembering 1956 and 1968.

Economics

A policy manifesto, all based on sound economics, for the next government. Housing – evidence of the existence of a demand curve. National accounts – back to mediocre growth, with the benefits shared unequally. Wages and inflation – the hunt for the elusive Phillips curve. The cost of cronyism. How gambling grew from SP bookies in pubs to the Crown empire.

Climate change and the economy

The IPCC confirms what the people of Lismore know about floods. What a transformed AGL could look like: who will turn off the last coal-fired power station? Putin gives our climate change policies a helpful nudge. Economists discover the root cause of climate change: people.

Opinion polls

We may not like Putin very much but Russians, particularly older Russians, adore him. In Australia no-one seems to love the Coalition very much.

The pandemic

Slowing in world vaccination rates. In Australia more cases but fewer deaths. Western Australia re-joins the Federation. Where from here?

Webinars, podcasts and readings

The case against “small government”. Readings on greenhouse gas emissions. Uncomfortable Conversations. Democracy Sausage. The Jolly Swagman.

Music for a time of political turmoil

A musical message for Putin from Russia’s own history.

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