The South Australian Centre for Economic Studies has recently completed several papers as part of its Issues Paper series. These papers have been or are currently in the process of being sent to Corporate Members. A brief synopsis of each paper is provided below.

Exceeding the Limit: How Excessive Speeding Fines May Undermine Community Engagement with Government Road Safety Policies
This paper considers the public discussion on speeding fines and the contribution of road traffic fines in reducing road fatalities. Penalties of this nature have a role to play as does driver training, driver behaviour and attitude to road safety, although on-board car safety features and improvement to the quality of our roads are also significant contributors to road safety. It is well to remember that reinforcement or reward is much more likely to lead to sustainable changes in behaviour than punishment. It is argued that an over-emphasis on traffic policing through the use of fines reinforces the public perception of revenue raising; potentially dilutes the road safety message; and diminishes the authority of government.

Should South Australians Really Be “Down in the Mouth”? Macroeconomic Performance
This paper is the first of four papers in the Economic Issues series to review South Australia’s macroeconomic performance with reference to historical developments and more recent history, including a pointer to sustainable comparative advantages. This paper sets the scene by providing a review of the state’s macroeconomic performance over the last two decades.

Where Do We Go From Here? South Australia’s Economic Prospects Going Forward and the Role of Government
This paper is the second of four papers in the Economic Issues series to review South Australia’s macroeconomic performance with reference to historical developments and more recent history, including a pointer to sustainable comparative advantages. This second paper examines the prospects for growth through a more detailed examination of the state’s manufacturing sector including the role that the state government can play in assisting the potential to be realised. Two further Issues Papers will examine regulation and industry policy and a consideration of policy responses to reinvigorate this state’s economy.