BLOGS WEBSITE
Lessons for governments from taxis vs Uber
In an article in today’s Australian (available here,), I argue that governments can learn valuable lessons from the current battle between the taxi industry and Uber, as well as from past battles over government protection of market power (such as the tariff wall and AWB’s export wheat single desk). I draw 5 key lessons – […]
The future of state governments?
In a speech 3 days ago, former Prime Minister Bob Hawke recommended that Australia should abolish its state governments.The speech was widely reported – see, for example, The Australian’s coverage here.
Hawke argued that state borders were “bloody absurd” and that Australia would be governed more effectively with only two levels of government (federal and local).
The […]
Parkinson on tax reform
In a speech yesterday at the McKell Institute, Martin Parkinson – the incoming head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (and former head of Treasury, as well as a distinguished graduate of the University of Adelaide’s School of Economics) – noted the importance of tax reform and, in particular, the need for careful […]
Tax Reform Article in The Australian
Paul Kerin and Christopher Findlay published an article in The Australian yesterday which expands on Paul’s recent blog on tax reform.
Read the article here.
1 Comment
Longitudinal Evidence for a Midlife Nair in Human Well-Being: Results from Four Data Sets
Research forthcoming at the Economic Journal has uncovered what is the first longitudinal and multi-country evidence for a midlife low in human happiness and well-being. There really is a kind of midlife ‘crisis’ in feelings of satisfaction with one’s life.
The new study by University of Adelaide economist Dr Terence Cheng, and his collaborators Nick Powdthavee, […]
GST to 15%?
There is considerable media speculation that the Federal government is considering raising the GST rate to 15% and possibly broadening its base in return for personal tax cuts for low- and middle-income earners. An example of this speculation can be found here. It is claimed that this scenario is one of the options under consideration […]
Does trade promote economic growth?
Last Thursday night, the School of Economics’ Nic Sim gave a fascinating public lecture titled: “Does international trade lead to greater economic development? Evidence from less developed countries”. The lecture was part of the Faculty of the Professions’ Research 21 Public Lecture series. The short answer to Nic’s question is: YES. Based on empirical estimates, […]
Commsec down on SA economy
Commsec’s latest State of the States report (released today and available at State of the States) marks SA 7th (behind only Tasmania) on economic performance. On the dimensions taken into account in Commsec’s rankings, SA ranks best (3rd) on population growth and equipment investment, but ranks 7th on economic growth and retail trade.
Improving regulation of natural monopolies
In my recent article in the ACCC’s Network magazine (“What would an efficient regulatory contract look like?”, available here), I argue that Australia’s current regulatory system for natural monopolies (such as electricity, gas and water networks) is in need of fundamental reform, because it does not serve the long-term interests of consumers very well at […]
Economics research sometimes macabre, but valuable too!
In my most recent Company Director column (“How long should a CEO stay?, available here), I reported that economists’ research shows that, in general, CEOs should not stay in their roles for more than 8-12 years. This finding reflects the trade-off between the incremental benefits and incremental costs to shareholders of longer CEO tenures. Of […]