I do wish that the Liberals would listen to Chris Uhlmann and David Pearl before ‘resetting’ their compass following the election defeat. Their wide-ranging discussion would be very instructive to a party that seems to have lost confidence in itself and is confused about what messages it should be sending.
Thanks for this rare, informed, sober comment on the ‘GFC’, the Covid hysteria, and the net zero fantasy. An underlying thread is an apparent decline in critical thinking among practitioners of public policy. Australia’s intemperate renewables splurge is an egregious example. Some of us are looking forward with perverse glee to the arrival of power brown and black outs in the early 2030s, which should shock (no pun intended) the public to demand restoration of sanity. The last major ‘structural adjustment’ of the Australian economy occurred in the 1980s, when relatively rational policies were informed by cost benefit analysis by independent experts in bodies like the current Productivity Commission. Comparable analysis today might help the current federal government develop energy programs more realistically. As things stands, the government seems to be acting less like the Hawke/Keating model, and much more like the Whitlam government of the early 1970s, ie ideologically naive, and economically uninformed. As usual, the most damaging proportionate effects will be dealt to the least well off. Plus ça change …
A fascinating discussion of the history of some of our recent moral panics, from someone who was in the centre of the action. Explained simply, rationally and clearly, I think this is essential viewing for Australian voters.
Essential viewing for all politicians and bureaucrats. But they won't. Great interview - clear common sense throughout, by a leading economist, who I wish were running Treasury today.
I do wish that the Liberals would listen to Chris Uhlmann and David Pearl before ‘resetting’ their compass following the election defeat. Their wide-ranging discussion would be very instructive to a party that seems to have lost confidence in itself and is confused about what messages it should be sending.
Elizabeth Fysh
Thanks for this rare, informed, sober comment on the ‘GFC’, the Covid hysteria, and the net zero fantasy. An underlying thread is an apparent decline in critical thinking among practitioners of public policy. Australia’s intemperate renewables splurge is an egregious example. Some of us are looking forward with perverse glee to the arrival of power brown and black outs in the early 2030s, which should shock (no pun intended) the public to demand restoration of sanity. The last major ‘structural adjustment’ of the Australian economy occurred in the 1980s, when relatively rational policies were informed by cost benefit analysis by independent experts in bodies like the current Productivity Commission. Comparable analysis today might help the current federal government develop energy programs more realistically. As things stands, the government seems to be acting less like the Hawke/Keating model, and much more like the Whitlam government of the early 1970s, ie ideologically naive, and economically uninformed. As usual, the most damaging proportionate effects will be dealt to the least well off. Plus ça change …
A fascinating interview- a must watch. Explains recent economic situations in a pragmatic, straightforward way.
A fascinating discussion of the history of some of our recent moral panics, from someone who was in the centre of the action. Explained simply, rationally and clearly, I think this is essential viewing for Australian voters.
Essential viewing for all politicians and bureaucrats. But they won't. Great interview - clear common sense throughout, by a leading economist, who I wish were running Treasury today.
Thanks for this informative interview Chris and David. A must watch!
Excellent podcast!