Weekly roundup Saturday 15 February
Housing’s missing middle between high-rise and 1000 square meter blocks
Weekly roundup of links to articles, reports, podcasts and other media on current political and economic issues in public policy.
Politics
Two by-elections in Melbourne confirm that voters are looking for something better than the two old parties.
Crime
An appalling attack on a prominent and well-respected Australian Jew. Mandatory sentencing as an erosion of the division of powers. Concentrations of youth crime – we’re not handling them well. Australia’s score on political corruption is improving, but we’re failing on electoral financing.
Housing
We have a national housing shortage, but at a regional level it’s a mixed picture, and public policy has to guide a gentle fall in house prices. How poor construction quality is hurting the housing market. The changing way we talk about housing – we may be more accepting of a fall in prices.
Other economics
It’s tough if you retire when you’re still renting, and how well can you manage your superannuation lump sum? Dutton welcomes boat people. A history of Australia’s welfare system. A warning about what the Coalition would do to renewable energy, if elected.
Public ideas
How Trump will consolidate his power and crush America's remaining democratic institutions. A guide to understanding populism. Countering setbacks to human rights movements – countering the idea that human rights is not seen as just a “western” thing.
The Köln Concert, 50 years on
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
