Ross Gittins is economics editor of the SMH and an economic columnist for The Age. His books include Gittins' Guide to Economics, Gittinomics and The Happy Economist.
Not long after he arrived at Sydney Cove as a convict on the First Fleet, James Ruse was granted Australia's first parcel of private land - 30 acres in the heart of Parramatta - by governor Arthur Phillip.
Oh no, the nanny state brigade is at it again. In their certainty they know what's best for us, they're back with their social engineering, wanting to punish us for being fat and use a tax on sugary drinks to push us towards "healthier choices".
How about we take a short break from worrying about the new job Donald Trump has lined up for himself and think about our own jobs.
If you think the possible ascension of Donald Trump is our one big worry you haven't been paying attention. Some climate scientists are worried sick over the possibility that climate change may be passing the point of no return while we procrastinate over trying to control it.
Did you know our social security system is so open to rorting that it's possible for some people to get more from benefits than they'd earn if they took a job? And we wonder why we have problem with debt and deficit.
Remember globalisation? It was big news some years back. Now, however, the leaders of the global economy worry that public opinion is turning against it, pressuring governments to reverse it.
Everyone wants to know what achievements Malcolm Turnbull can point to after his first year as Prime Minister. Well, I can think of something: his reform of the tax breaks on superannuation – provided he gets it through without major watering down.
There are not quite so many lazy loafers as the Treasurer would have you believe. The people who really clean up are the retired.
What kind of Australia do we want our children and grandchildren to inherit? One with rundown and inadequate public facilities? If we continue letting our politicians demonise public debt, that's the world we'll be leaving for our descendants.
I have disturbing news. The big business people of Australia are feeling quite upset about the recent federal election.
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