Today’s Essential Report illustrates just how badly the Rudd government bungled its case for the Resource Super Profits Tax, and how timid Julia Gillard and Wayne Swan have been on the issue ever since.
Resources boom
Crikey Says: Just who is benefiting from the resources boom?
Save the gloom for offshore: our economy is performing well
There’s plenty of bad economic news offshore but the Australian economy remains well-placed, whatever commentators might say, write Glenn Dyer and Bernard Keane.
As the economy improves, Labor’s ownership of it deteriorates
The stronger the economy seems under Labor, the less Labor gets any credit for it. Labor should be pondering why and front and centre in any such inquiry should be Wayne Swan.
I’m not a protectionist, but … more help for the steel industry
The government has rushed out another steel industry package, but at least it hasn’t succumb to the protectionist impulses within Labor ranks.
Political snippets: Gillard off with the fairies to take on ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Pushing aside the nation’s most popular program for a Prime Ministerial address on the carbon tax would have been a sure fire way to lose votes.
podcast Canberra Calling: The WorkChoices reincarnated podcast
This week, Crikey’s Canberra Correspondent Bernard Keane and Crikey editor Sophie Black discuss the return of WorkChoices, Peter Reith’s failed Liberal Party presidency bid and Bob Brown’s report into the foreign ownership of Australia’s mining sector.
‘Selling off the farm’ isn’t the problem for the mining industry
“Selling off the farm” is no longer a metaphor, with a rising tide of complaints about foreign ownership of agricultural land. But the real problem is how multinational companies exploits tax laws.
The major economic reforms no one voted for
The Australian economy is facing massive restructuring without our politicians lifting a finger, thanks to a manufacturing industry that’s in its longest period of decline since the 1990s recession.
Budget breakdown: the disease that ate the budget
It is concerning that the plan to return the budget to surplus in 2012-13 is dependent on rising commodity prices and the ongoing expansion of the resource sector, write James Arvanitakis and Alex Surace, fellows at the Centre for Policy Development.
Why Swan’s boom budget bottom line is baloney
We need to stop kidding ourselves that our comparatively robust budget position is the product of prudent fiscal management, and to acknowledge the huge boost we’re receiving from the resources boom, writes Karen Maley of Business Spectator.
Business bleating just a case of back to the future
Australian business doesn’t read very widely these days as it constructs its arguments about the economy, tax and green issues.
The good and bad of WA’s two-speed economy
While the retailing and housing sectors in Western Australia continue to struggle, the economy is facing a two-speed economy in which those enjoying the benefits of a renewed resources boom are leaving behind those who aren’t, writes Shane Write.
Kelly: If Labor wins the miner battle, it loses the financial war
Labor’s caught in a catch-22 and they only have themselves to blame. The mining tax has moved from being about miners to proving the government’s economic credentials, writes Paul Kelly.
Bartholomeusz: I’ve got no respect for RSPT
Rudd’s big tax on mining companies is “utterly ill-conceived” and an illogical long term national economic strategy, writes Stephen Bartholomeusz.
The China question: are we too reliant on mineral exports?
This year the Budget was delivered against a backdrop of international uncertainty, reliance on China and a local boom. Any bets on what the outcomes will be in a year’s time?
Mayne: Mining slug mainly hits multinationals, so who cares?
The new mining tax is a good initiative by the Rudd government. Tony Abbott should get behind a move that slugs huge foreign companies but benefits little Aussie battlers.
Under 30? No dole for you, says Tony
Under 30s would be banned from the dole and told to go work in mining, proposed Tony Abbott at a meeting with resource industry leaders. Is this clever, creative thinking or a simplistic way to end a skills shortage?
We need to exploit our energy superpowers
There is vast global demand for Australia’s natural resources and we need reforms to get worker productivity moving and let this boom happen again. The old Labor union bosses need to set their PM straight, writes former Keating minister Gary Johns.
Stutchbury: Reform policies so resources can reinvigorate
Australia’s next big economic growth won’t come from Australia and our economic policies need to reflect that. Demand from India and China for minerals will drive our economy and industries like tourism and manufacturing will be left behind, writes Michael Stuchbury.
Australia: good at being poor, crap at being rich
Post GFC Australia is, well, pretty much the same as pre GFC Australia. The resources boom is still bubbling away, our relations with Asia continue to be crucial. Now, how will we cope with the prosperity?
Wood: Still plenty of recovery pains ahead
Australia’s positive recovery results indicate we’re in for a resources boom, but the demands for labour, investment and capital equipment will bring their own problems, says Alan Wood.
Resources boom about to catch fire
The Australian economy is lurking, waiting to re-emerge in coming months as the mining sector gains renewed confidence, with promising capex and construction figures announced yesterday.
Resources boom has well and truly gone kaput
The resources boom has gone well and truly kaput as the main driver of the Australian economy for the past five years takes a huge hit from the recession and credit crunch.
IMF: Oz economy a beacon of buoyancy
The latest World Economic Outlook from the International Monetary Fund reveals that Australia is in a very special position, reports Glenn Dyer.
