Weekly roundup Saturday 7 March
Canberra enlightened?
Weekly roundup of links to articles, reports, podcasts and other media on current political and economic issues in public policy.
There will be no roundup next Saturday, March 14 (election day in South Australia). The next roundup will be on Saturday March 21.
Politics
The Liberal Party’s election review: Sound advice on running a campaign — should be helpful for Labor and One Nation — but it’s dreadfully light on policy.
Where it all went wrong: The damage John Howard inflicted on Australia is enduring.
On social cohesion: Clear thoughts on an otherwise undefined feelgood idea.
Economics
Capital gains tax and negative gearing: Reform is crucial, but beware of simple prescriptions.
The consequences of war in the Gulf: If all we can think of are gasoline prices and the CPI we’re naïve about the consequences of war.
National accounts: Promising national accounts figures — poor picking for Tim Wilson, the Coalition’s specialist on economics scare campaigns.
Understanding inflation: Three contributions, in increasing levels of realism and complexity.
University of life: The cost of commodification of tertiary education.
Price discrimination: Coming to a supermarket near
The curse of the open office: Yes, the open office is lousy for productivity, but it’s great for sustaining status hierarchies.
Public ideas
From neoliberalism to Trumpian populism: With the addition of elements of fascism Trumpian populism traces its roots to neoliberalism; it’s a strong and well-funded movement, even here in Australia.
Bright college days
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
