The Bank of Mum and Dad is keeping house prices high
You know the remarkably high price of homes is now a top issue for our politicians, state and federal. But you may need reminding that house prices are an intergenerational issue.
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Ross Gittins
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.
Pessimists miss one factor when they forecast the end of jobs
I can't remember when there's been so much speculation about what the future holds for working life. Or when those who imagine they know what the future holds have worked so hard to scare the dickens out of our kids.
Private schools are losing their magnetic pull
It's drawn little comment, but the decades-long drift of students from government to non-government schools has ended.
Politicians have worked hard to make houses so dear
It has cost the budget a lot of money to make the prices of homes as hard to afford as they now are.
The sad truth about education
Our politicians, asked to explain their policy on X will switch to expounding on what's wrong with their opponents' supposed policy.
Brace yourself for a year of con jobs and flying bulldust
There's a long history of politicians professing to be terribly concerned about "the cost of living" and nothing good ever comes of it. It's always about saying things to keep or win your vote and rarely about doing anything real – let alone sensible – about prices.
What a relief that climate change doesn't really exist
As we've sweltered through this terrible summer - and lately, as bushfires have raged - what a comfort it's been to know that climate change doesn't exist and isn't happening.
Our society is fraying. The damage starts at the top
How moving it was to watch Malcolm Turnbull presenting the Australian of the Year awards last week. What impressive people they were. Made me proud to be an Aussie.
Pensioner rage: Centrelink beware
Of the loads of films I saw last year, the most memorable was Ken Loach's I, Daniel Blake. I go to the movies for escapist entertainment, not to give my emotions a good workout but, even so, it left a lasting impression.
How to find more time for fun next year
I don't know about you, but it's at this time of year, when the Christmas rush is over and things slow down - even for those who are "working through" - that I get a bit more philosophical, a bit more reflective.
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