Amy Oster

Dan Ziffer, an ABC business reporter, and Amy Oster, a former senior Treasury official, dive into Australia's economic stagnation. They discuss the alarming decline in competition and the pressing need for reforms to revive the economy. With insights from a recent summit, they explore the challenges of government incentives and the impact of a crucial court ruling on workplace regulations. The conversation also sheds light on progress in gender pay equity and the ongoing wage gap, making for a compelling discussion on Australia’s economic future.

Kevin Fox, head of the UNSW Centre for Applied Economic Research, and Amy Oster, former Treasury economist and head of Policy Institute Australia, discuss the nuances behind the rising official inflation rate. They explore how perceptions of inflation can differ from reality due to frequently purchased items feeling more impactful. Kevin explains the complexities of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the recent integration of scanner data to improve accuracy. They also highlight the importance of rough price shifts since COVID and the need for ongoing adjustments in economic measures.