Past Programs
Economics - 2008
Realising the potential of desert environments
24/12/2008
Nearly three quarters of Australia is desert, you know. Consequently, most of our population centres have built up around the edges of the continent.
Recent discussion around deserts here have centred on the viability of remote indigenous communities, with remote Australia being described by some as a 'failed state' ... referring to the difficulty maintaining infrastructure like health and housing. But it's a bitter contradiction - Australia's deserts and the people living there contribute over ninety billion dollars to Australia's gross revenue. That's according to the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre.
In early November this year, over 300 people got together in Alice Springs to discuss the potential of desert environments. A sixth of the world's population live in desert regions ... and the conference examined the potential of these environments to generate energy, food, knowledge and industry. Sharing and developing knowledge of desert environments seems particularly relevant given climate change.
Guests from around the world have come to Australia because we apparently lead the way in approaches to the economic development of desert communities.
Looking for work
13/10/2008
Unemployment rates have risen, consumer confidence is down and it's inevitable that Australia will be affected by the global economic collapse. News of job cuts is mostly well received by shareholders and the markets but is that always the best way of shoring up business and coping with a tough economic climate? And what are the prospects for those affected by the different sides of the market; those workers looking ahead to retirement but watching their super funds lose value. Are they going to be forced to stay in the job longer? Looking for your views in Australia Talks.
Regulating financial markets and institutions
22/09/2008
The United States government is planning a massive rescue plan for the country's financial institutions that could cost more than $(US)700 billion. The Democrats have given reluctant support to the scheme that would see the government buy back bad loans from banks that have been mixed up in the sub-prime mortgage crisis.
This is on top of the millions already paid out by the government to keep markets afloat in last week's meltdown and bail out some of the big investment and insurance corporations. But as well as a rescue package for the banks, do governments also have to look at tougher market regulations, in addition to the bans on short selling? And are some of the big players, like hedge funds, operating outside the regulatory net?
Truancy and welfare
28/08/2008
Education Minister Julia Gillard says parents who don't send their children to school will have their welfare payments cut. Payments could be suspended for up to 13 weeks but would be re-paid in full once school attendances improved.
A system of welfare quarantining will be trialled in eight communities, mostly in the Northern Territory. The trial will be assessed in 2010 before a decision is made on its application nationally. So who would benefit from the scheme? The Minister says there could be up to 20,000 children of school age who do not regularly attend school. But is there a link between welfare and truancy? And how would the system be policed?
Renovating Australia's superannuation funds
10/07/2008
At the moment the government is taking a close look at how efficiently the compulsory superannuation system works and they're continuing to urge people to plan for their retirement needs. The superannuation minister Nick Sherry has called for our 20-year-old system to be reformed and asked for input from the industry and community groups.
However, our share market has just recorded its worst financial performance in 26 years and experts are forecasting more volatility. So what impact could further falls on the ASX have on those of us with superannuation funds with significant share holdings? How much thought have you given to this backbone of the economy lately?
Taxation reform
28/04/2008
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has responded to calls from the 2020 Summit to review the equity of Australia's tax system, following similar comments from shadow treasurer Malcolm Turnbull...
Do corporations pay enough tax and what difference does it make to small taxpayers? Should we be paying more GST? Ring us with your ideas on how to reform the taxation system.
Hint: SA callers ring 1300 22 55 76 from 5.40pm to overcome the time delay.
Australia Talks and the Australia 2020 Summit - What's the future for rural communities?
16/04/2008
In the third of our Australia 2020 Summit programs -- rural and regional futures. What can be done to better enable rural and regional economies to thrive? We know that the resources boom is driving population growth in certain areas but the drought and other issues have meant a decline on some long-standing rural areas. Bundle that with the 'sea-changers' and the 'tree-changers' and you have a very complex demographic. Call 1300 22 55 76 and share your thoughts with the co-chairs from the 2020 summit.
Who will the future generations of our farmers be?
What can be done to maximise land-use productivity while simultaneously minimising land degradation?
What are the options for dealing with increasing areas of marginally productive land?
South Australian callers ring from 5.40pm local time to overcome the delay.
Consult the link below for access to Australia 2020 Summit background documents.
The role of the Reserve Bank
31/01/2008
The Reserve Bank is likely to raise interest rates when it meets on Tuesday -- which may lend support to the Prime Minister's war on inflation. But Australia now faces record levels of domestic debt and some economists are forecasting a recession in the US. So where to for the Australian economy, and is it possible to inoculate ourselves against the negative effects of a spreading global recession?
