Immigration and the Australian Economy: Separating the Evidence from the Noise
Immigration has become one of the most politically charged economic debates in Australia. We cut through the noise with …
Economic Analysis
Independent analysis, commentary and explanations on the issues shaping the Australian economy.
The True Cost of Childcare: How It Shapes Work, Earnings, and the Economy
Australian childcare costs are among the highest in the OECD. The consequences extend beyond family budgets — they shape…
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Big Four Banks: Record Profits, Rising Scrutiny, and What It Means for the Economy
The Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB, and ANZ continue to generate extraordinary profits. We examine where those profits …
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Negative Gearing: The Debate That Won't Die — and the Economics Behind It
Few tax policies in Australia generate more heat than negative gearing. We cut through the politics and examine what the…
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Small Business in Australia: Reading the Conditions Index and What It Signals
Small business conditions surveys are among the most forward-looking economic indicators available. Right now, they are …
What Does "Full Employment" Actually Mean — and Has Australia Achieved It?
Australia's unemployment rate has been running near 50-year lows. But economists disagree about what full employment rea…
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CPI Inflation in Australia: A Full Breakdown of What's Going Up and What's Coming Down
Not all inflation is created equal. Some categories of the Consumer Price Index are still running hot while others have …
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Quantitative Easing in Australia: What the RBA Did and What It Left Behind
Between 2020 and 2022, the RBA created hundreds of billions of dollars to support the economy. Here is a plain-English a…
Australia's Falling Household Savings Rate: What It Signals for the Economy
Australians are saving less than at any point since before COVID. The savings buffer that cushioned the rate-hiking cycl…
Stage 3 Tax Cuts: The Economic Impact 12 Months On
The modified Stage 3 tax cuts delivered more benefit to lower and middle income earners than the original design. What h…
First Home Buyers in Australia: The Economic Barriers Are Bigger Than Ever
The deposit hurdle, stamp duty costs, and house-price-to-income ratios have all deteriorated for first-home buyers over …
Iron Ore: Australia's $130 Billion Export and Why Its Price Matters to Everyone
Iron ore is Australia's largest single export and the most important commodity for federal budget revenues. Here is what…