Past Programs
Management - 2008
Regulating the markets
30/10/2008
The Government says it's taking things day by day, staying flexible and ready to react quickly to the fallout from the financial crisis. It also helps to be running a big budget surplus as concern over market volatility puts pressure on governments for even more guarantees. But how far should the government go in protecting financial institutions? With the big mortgage funds freezing deposits, anxious investors, unable to get access to their money are adding to the political pressure. So how much further should the government go and how much should it spend on guaranteeing the institutions and our money?
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?
Delivering on the potential of solar energy
20/02/2008
We've been hearing about the potential of solar power for years now but so far it's failed to deliver. Adelaide is hosting a major talkfest on solar energy this week and we talk to some of the key speakers. If a recent issue of the 'New Scientist' is to be believed, then we might finally start to see real practical solar power delivered...and now Cooper Pedy looks set to get its own solar power station!
Energy privatisation
05/02/2008
South Australia, Victoria and Queensland have all privatised at least part of their electricity industries already, and NSW is due to join them later this year. Critics say handing over the provision of essential services like electricity leads to price hikes and blackouts. Energy companies disagree, and say that competition means better service and cheaper prices. So who should we believe? Can companies deliver shareholder profits and affordable electricity?
Should essential services be privatised or kept in public hands?
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?
