Weekly roundup Saturday 14 December
Dangerous territory for nuclear zealots
Weekly roundup of links to articles, reports, podcasts and other media on current political and economic issues in public policy.
This is the last substantial roundup for 2024. There will be a short roundup next Saturday, with links to and analysis of the Coalition ’s nuclear policy, and the government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, coming out next week. Back on Saturday February 1 with regular roundups.
Nuclear fantasies
One more time – nuclear power is too expensive. A first look at the Coalition’s ideas – fabricated figures and unconventional accounting in support of fiscal, economic, environmental and engineering madness.
Other economics
The Reserve Bank’s fears that Australians may find it too easy to find work. The cost of public service purges. The cost of for-profit health care. How the unions have done a service for Woolworths’ customers and shareholders. How Australians think the economy is travelling.
Politics
The way we talk about the conflicts in the middle east matters. Why we should be careful with the word “terrorism”. Dutton signals plans for a merger between the Liberal Party and One Nation. Rupert Murdoch’s quest for immortality.
Public ideas
Donald Horne’s Lucky Country 60 years on. Insights into partisan voters – they don’t always say what they’re thinking. Two essays on populism and the democratic recession, with very different conclusions. Populists and the global order.
Bach for Christmas
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
