The combination of an ethically-strong Kevin Rudd, a governance-obsessed John Faulkner and the Wollongong City Council looks like ensuring the stars are about to align for Australia’s most comprehensive program of campaign finance reform, writes Stephen Mayne.
Nsw auditor general
Kohler: Soft landing or crash?
One way or another, the Australian economy is going to be crunched this year. Obviously all of those who are focused on bringing it about – the RBA, Treasury, the Prime Minister, the nation’s economists – want and expect a soft landing. Good luck, writes Business Spectator’s Alan Kohler.
Ken Henry’s toughest week
Treasury Secretary Ken Henry won’t forget the first week of February 2008 in a hurry, writes Stephen Mayne.
Where was Ken Henry’s straight talking on inflation?
Former NSW auditor general Tony Harris had a fascinating column in The AFR this morning which suggest the Federal Treasury was other bullied or cajoled into hiding its real views on inflation before the election, writes Stephen Mayne.
