Weekly roundup Saturday 26 September


They now call Australia home


Weekly roundup of links to articles, reports, podcasts and other media on current political and economic issues in public policy.

Immigration

What exactly is the problem? The immigration rate is about where it has been for 80 years, but maybe the problem is that the right has re-kindled the fires of racism.

The government’s policy: it’s dealing with some immediate problems, while acknowledging that it will take time to deal with an excess of short-term visa holders.

The pre-migration story: let’s not forget the migration shock experienced by the two million people who were here before 1788.

Other politics

The Coalition on education: a plan to model school education on Pakistan’s madrassas, but with a British touch.

The Coalition on fuel excise: an economically irresponsible pitch to bring back those who have drifted to One Nation.

Elections and polls: elections in northern Europe show a drift away from main parties and a hardening urban-rural divide.

Economics

The Intergenerational Report: its projections are unsurprising, but it leaves much unaddressed.

The labour force: unemployment is rising, but does the Reserve Bank care?

Public ideas

Paul Keating on Australia’s history and geography: Keating and his biographer discuss the experiences that have shaped his ideas.

What’s on this weekend

Three events: in Samarkand, Berlin and Melbourne.


If you have comments, corrections, or links to other relevant sources, I’d like to hear from you. Please send them to Ian McAuley — ian, at the domain name ianmcauley.com