Weekly roundup Saturday 22 June
What’s at the end of these lines – low-cost solar and wind or high-cost nuclear?
Weekly roundup of links to articles, reports, podcasts and other media on current political and economic issues in public policy.
The politics and economics of Australia’s energy transition
The Coalition’s nuclear fantasy fails on economics and engineering. We are now in a combative and dysfunctional political process shaped by Dutton. Opinion polls, however, show that the government is still not getting through to the electorate on its energy policy.
Other politics
Making sense of the swing to the right in the EU elections. Polish social democrats set an example for our Labor Party. With a radical proposal South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas puts political donations on the national agenda. Australia is the only democracy without a bill of rights, but that could change if the government has enough political courage. Bill Shorten and Winston Churchill compared.
Other economics
Living on Jobseeker: it’s only emergency assistance rather than income support. Retail pharmacies face an Uber moment. Ideas on dampening inflation and inflation expectations. No, it’s not a “cost of living crisis”; it’s a problem in a grossly unfair distribution of income, opportunity and wealth. The dark side of resistance to a cashless economy.
Public ideas
Pope Francis on artificial intelligence and political participation. Lucy Turnbull on ideas for Australian cities. The economists’ doctrine of comparative advantage explained.
Nuclear power for the kiddies
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
