As I watched the fires in Los Angeles unfold in January this year, my mind of course reflected on the 1999-2000 Black Summer bushfires in Australia. Both these seasons have wrought significant damage to humans and other animals, and to land, infrastructure and property. There has been a huge personal, collective and financial toll involved.

Australia’s productivity growth has reverted to the same stagnant pattern as before the pandemic, according to the Productivity Commission’s latest quarterly report. Productivity is complex and often misunderstood in media and policy debates. So before we read too much into this latest data, here are six key things to understand about productivity. 1. It’s about quantities,

Just some things.

Immigration and public spending are barely keeping Australia out of a recession.

The government locks-in cash for essentials, plus Elinor dreams of a mortgage and Greg contemplates the passage of time.

Despite new Right to Disconnect laws coming into force earlier this year, new research reveals Australians are still working an average five weeks’ unpaid overtime each year.

…is an interest rate cut, says Greg Jericho.

The United Nations climate change negotiations are skirting around the critical issue of phasing out fossil fuels and are in desperate need of reform, says Sandrine Dixson-Declève.

The potential social and economic benefits of early childhood education and care are huge.

From the number of retirees experiencing poverty to the lack of competition in the banking system, the state of Australia’s economy leaves a lot to be desired, says Greg Jericho.

Record numbers of Australians are employed – that’s a great thing, despite what the interest rate doomers are telling you, says Greg Jericho.

Corporate spin and complex markets distract from real solutions to Australia’s climate and biodiversity crisis, says Greg Jericho.

By choosing to extend three coal mines, the government could be inadvertently redirecting construction workers from building houses to the fossil fuel industry.

Australia’s housing market is cooked and capping international student numbers isn’t going to fix it, says Greg Jericho.

In recent weeks the Treasurer Jim Chalmers has been criticised by the opposition and some conservative economists for pointing out that the 13 interest rate increases have slowed Australia’s economy. But the data shows he is right.

If you’ve ever flicked off an email before bed, texted your boss out of hours, or received an ‘urgent’ work call after clocking off, you’ll be glad to hear some respite is just around the corner. A new right to disconnect from work, for employees in businesses with 15 or more staff, comes into force

Australia’s big banks are among the most profitable in the world, so forcing them to compete is essential, says Greg Jericho.

The Carmichael Centre is proud to announce that the third annual Laurie Carmichael Lecture will be delivered on 5 September 2024 by Professor Allan Fels AO, former Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Chair of the recent Inquiry into Price Gouging and Unfair Business Practices.

The Reserve Bank Governor may be keeping her cards close to her chest, but a slowing economy means a rate cut this year could still be on the table, says Greg Jericho.

Australia’s off-peak hot water systems should be reconfigured to consume electricity in the middle of the day, rather than at night, according to new research from the Australia Institute and Buildings Alive.

Flights in regional Australia are an essential public service, so the government could consider stepping in to support the stricken regional carrier, Rex, Greg Jericho says.