Weekly roundup Saturday 7 December
Should Australia have an urban policy?
Weekly roundup of links to articles, reports, podcasts and other media on current political and economic issues in public policy.
Politics
We’re satisfied with our institutions but not with the government. Because “race” is a social construct what does racism mean? Does Dutton have to run a scare campaign on immigration? Albanese will be under pressure until he does something about gambling advertisements. Will independents get a look-in on political donation reform?
Australia’s energy transition
The Coalition and the coal industry would love an argument about the danger of nuclear power, but the real problem is that it’s far too expensive. How to deal with demand peaks in a renewable-energy system. Our report card on progress to the 2030 emissions target.
Other economics
If we can look through Covid’s long tail of economic effects, the national accounts tell a story of an economy with low productivity, which is now showing signs of deflation. What a Dutton-Rinehart government would do to government services. A wish-list of economic reforms. Defending our public broadcaster. The case for not defending private health insurance. Urban development – fine words, but what does the government intend to do?
Public ideas
Liberals don’t understand why many people yearn for an authoritarian past. Lessons for Australia from a troubled Germany.
Notre Dame
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
