The Economy, Stupid

Steve Robson, a health economist and former head of the Australian Medical Association, and Jenny Gordon, an economist at the Australian National University, delve into the costly cracks in Australia's mental health system. They discuss the complexities of mental health treatment, emphasizing the need for social supports like housing to reduce illness. The duo highlights why mental health often takes a backseat in productivity agendas, and they call for integrated early intervention strategies, especially for disadvantaged communities and children.

In this insightful discussion, economist Rory Robertson and ABC News business editor Michael Yander delve into the Australian housing crisis. They explore why housing feels unaffordable, the unique nature of homes as goods, and the limits of increasing supply. Both guests analyze tax changes that have fueled property investment and the implications on homeownership, particularly among millennials. They address the generational divide in housing, discuss potential policy reforms, and ponder whether the Australian dream is genuinely lost.

Some economists say Australia could become a clean-energy superpower — massively rich, world-leading. But how would we get there?

David Byrne, an economist known for his work on retail pricing, and Megan Flamer, an innovation consultant, dive into why consumers often stick to higher prices. They explore how companies manipulate pricing through coordinated signals, such as weekly price hikes in petrol. The duo discusses the impact of loyalty on consumer choices and reveals surprising findings from their experiments. Plus, they propose tech-driven solutions like AI coaches to help consumers find better deals. Get ready to rethink your shopping habits!

Join retirement income specialist Susan Thorpe and Brendan Coates, a public policy analyst, as they dissect the quirks of Australia's superannuation system. They delve into the origins of compulsory super and its surprising impact on young and low-income households. Discover how tax concessions disproportionately benefit the wealthy, while many retirees cling to their savings out of uncertainty. Plus, they explore the reforms needed to enhance the system’s fairness and efficiency, and how housing status complicates retirement planning.

In this discussion, John Simon, a former head of economic research at the Reserve Bank of Australia, and Gerard Minnack, an investment strategist and founder of Minnack Advisors, explore the complexities of economic bubbles with a focus on AI. They highlight how historical bubbles share features of hype and fear of missing out (FOMO). Both agree AI is currently overhyped but debate whether it will lead to a significant market crash. They also discuss the role of competition, the impact on consumers, and long-term benefits versus short-term risks.

Janine Dixon, an economic modeller and director at the Centre of Policy Studies, and Terry Rawnsley, urban economist at KPMG, dive into the complexities of GDP as a measure of Australian life. They discuss how GDP growth isn’t the full story, particularly when it comes to per capita adjustments and income flows. The conversation explores overlooked areas like unpaid work, regional economic disparities, and the importance of new data sources. They debate GDP's effectiveness in reflecting true well-being and hint at rising investment trends impacting productivity.

Narelle Hooper, a corporate advisor and ethics board member, and Luke Hilbath, a sustainability consultant, dive into the crisis of corporate social responsibility. They debate whether companies should pursue profit at any cost, highlighting the disconnect between legal action and social licensing. The duo explores the pitfalls of ESG becoming mere virtue signaling and examines failures in sectors like childcare. They advocate for long-term incentives and call for a shift toward genuine stakeholder engagement in business to foster a more responsible future.

Geoff Borland, a labour economist at the University of Melbourne, and Tom Crowley, an ABC federal political reporter, dive into the seismic shifts in Australia's job market post-COVID. They discuss the initial employment collapse, the rapid rebound, and how Australia fared better than other nations. A surprising 22% growth in non-market jobs is examined, highlighting the increased female participation in care roles. They also tackle the peculiar lack of wage growth despite a tight labour market, and offer practical jobseeker advice amidst ongoing changes.

In this discussion, Paula Jazabkowski, a strategic management professor, and James Ayres, a senior writer at the Australian Financial Review, dive into the crisis facing Australia’s insurance market. They address the alarming rise in premiums due to climate change and inflation. Paula emphasizes the need for a rethink in disaster insurance, while James highlights the social dilemmas of unaffordability. Together, they explore the balance between market profits and social protection, advocating for systemic changes to ensure the insurance landscape remains viable and fair.