Today
Queensland heads for deficit as Labor readies election cash splash
A pre-election spending spree will result in Queensland’s forecast surplus swinging into a deficit of about $3 billion, Treasurer Cameron Dick says.
- James Hall
- Opinion
- Letters to the Editor
RBA independence is more important than ever
Readers’ letters on political spin and the Reserve Bank; the Albanese government’s poor record; final pleas for a printed paper; predicted blackouts; and Jim Chalmers’ charm offensive.
Households tipped to save 80pc of stage three tax cuts
The RBA board has “limited tolerance” for inflation remaining above the mid-point of its target band beyond 2026, but the latest Westpac consumer sentiment survey suggests that might not be a problem.
- Ronald Mizen
- Opinion
- Australian economy
Australia needs to relearn the reform lessons taught to Greece
The Greeks took Gary Banks’ advice on productivity-enhancing policy. But political short-termism now holds sway here.
- Jenny Bloomfield
Macquarie says there is a 50pc chance of recession this year
Macquarie Group economist Sophie Photios said the economy was like a “masquerade”, where immigration had masked it going backwards in per person terms.
- John Kehoe
Yesterday
- Opinion
- Federal budget
We need to prepare in good times for the next big shock. These are the good times
We are a long way from even a balanced budget. If we are going to have a fiscal war chest for the next big shock, we need to prepare now.
- Updated
- Jonathan Kearns
- Opinion
- Australian economy
The Coalition must give up its nuclear dreaming
The opposition’s current nuclear proposal is an unserious political wedge being used to pry open a climate war Pandora’s box. A new round of the climate wars would be catastrophic.
- Paul Farrow
Singapore thriving after smooth, fair transition
Readers letters on the election of Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong; Labor’s Future Gas Strategy; the housing affordability crisis; and Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
This Month
Coalition chose political interest over easing the housing crisis
Readers’ letters on Peter Dutton’s focus on housing; how big super funds should prepare for tax changes; how the law can use AI; and a plea to keep printed copies of “The Australian Financial Review” alive in WA.
- Opinion
- Productivity
Fear and crisis fatigue are holding back productivity
Our uncertain world is generating collective caution. This leaves economies experiencing too little change and bearing too little risk.
- Andy Haldane
- Opinion
- The AFR View
Budget kicks off a populist election season
The housing crisis demonstrates how both major parties insist there are easy answers where none exist.
- The AFR View
RBA considers selling HQ as renovation blows out to $1.1b
The blowout, caused by large amounts of asbestos, makes the redevelopment of the RBA building one of the nation’s most expensive non-defence public works.
- Michael Read
- Opinion
- Federal budget
The Coalition swings back to the immigration playbook
The irony is that Peter Dutton of all people should understand how complicated migration numbers really are.
- Laura Tingle
- Opinion
- Immigration
Peter Dutton’s housing policies look tinged by race
The Liberal Party leader’s complaints that foreigners are competing with Australians for homes tap into resentment towards outsiders.
- Aaron Patrick
- Analysis
- Federal budget
Chalmers and Dutton put their economic credibility on the line
Chalmers has made a big, bold gamble on inflation, while Dutton’s rhetoric is bigger than the reality on immigration.
- John Kehoe
Peter Dutton’s migration and housing changes explained
The opposition leader says his changes to permanent migration and housing laws will help Australians by “restoring the dream of home ownership”. Will the changes be effective?
- Michael Read
- Opinion
- The AFR View
Solar panels debunking makes case for critical minerals leg-up
Even in a world of geopolitical and supply chain risk, the old economic orthodoxies of international specialisation and comparative advantage still apply.
- The AFR View
- Opinion
- Federal budget
Australia’s new course is to be managed decline
The budget is our politics writ small: too lacking in confidence and optimism to seek out new growth.
- John Roskam
Budget is pure politics
Readers letters on Jim Chalmers’ federal budget; Scott Morrison’s meeting with Donald Trump; and Gina Rinehart’s push against her portrait in The National Gallery of Australia.
Jobless jump could unwind next month, economists say
Economists predict some of the lift in unemployment in April may unwind in May, amid broader signs the jobs market remains strong and is absorbing a surge in migrants.
- Updated
- Michael Read
