PM stokes the wrong fire
The government’s obsession with speeding up the mining boom has delivered an exchange rate and a shortage of skilled labour that is devastating the manufacturing industry. Rather than take its foot off the mining boom accelerator or admit that the miners’ boom means a bust for manufacturers, the government is trying to buy itself some taxpayer-funded alms. Spending $250 million per year will do virtually nothing to help the $100 billion manufacturing industry cope with an exchange rate that is 40 per cent above its historic average. But if it eases the guilt or persuades the electorate, then maybe it’s worth it.
Related documents
Between the Lines Newsletter
The biggest stories and the best analysis from the team at the Australia Institute, delivered to your inbox every fortnight.
You might also like
Why a fossil fuel-free COP could put Australia’s bid over the edge
When the medical world hosts a conference on quitting smoking, they don’t invite Phillip Morris, or British American Tobacco along to help “be part of the solution”.
Burning homes and rising premiums: why fossil fuel companies must pay the bill
Another summer, another round of devastation: homes lost, communities evacuated, lives upended.
Why this week matters | Between the Lines
The Wrap with Amy Remeikis Earlier this week, 2025 clocked up its 183rd day. Most of eastern Australia would have been keeping one eye on the weather report, given the ‘rain bomb’, while others were reeling from the news an alleged child sex offender had been working at Melbourne child care centres. Like every day,