Economic Orthodoxy Crumbles?
Over the past couple of days there has been a pivotal moment in the debate over New Zealand's economic direction. Both Gareth Morgan and Bernard Hickey appear to have fundamentally reconsidered their positions on management of the economy in general and monetary policy in particular. Perhaps even more importantly, their heresies have been featured prominently by the the NZ Herald. As opinion leaders in NZ's 'great social and economic experiment' begin to waver, perhaps the neo-liberal orthodoxy truly has begun to crumble.
Much of the evidence detailing the consequences of current 'policy settings', together with well-argued alternatives, has been canvassed in our Resilient Economy Seminars this year.
Seminar: Are There Any New Arguments for Privatisation? - Wellington
How NZ is being softened up for another round of privatisation - a Fabian Society seminar, with Dr Bill Rosenberg and Fraser Carson of FRESCO
The tom-toms are beating loud and clear for another onslaught of privatisation if National wins the next election. We’re hearing why it’s rational, common-sense, good for mums and dads, good for investors, good for the country, won’t be like last time, will be the saviour of our capital markets and so on and so on.
Treasury’s already producing advice to the government on how to ‘sell’ it to the public.
Crucial infrastructural assets were sold off and stripped last time. This time the low fruit is in local government and state owned enterprises.
Don’t miss this Wellington seminar on how the messages will be framed to sell Privatisation Mark II.
Child Poverty Presentations Available
We have recently run very well attended and received seminars on the theme of 'How to Eliminate Child Poverty' in Auckland and Wellington. PDF copies of presentations from Susan St John, Sue Bradford and David Choat are available here. Copies of earlier presentations in our Resilient Economy Series are also available in the Papers & Presentations section.
NZ Listener Fabian Article
In an article in the latest NZ Listener, entitled 'Thinkers slake their thirst', Jane Tolerton notes the overdue re-emergence of a NZ Fabian Society and the impact the Fabians have had in the UK and Australia.
The full article will be available on-line on July 17th.
The Philosophy of Tax
Arguments in NZ about the right mixture of government tax and spending initiatives have focused mainly on whether such measures might stimulate the economy. Among the major themes of the recent budget were the alleged need to address the 'undue tax burden' on high income earners and the implication that to widen and strengthen the tax net would deter investors. Instead, public sector austerity is to be the favoured path to revitalising the economy. While opponents have asserted that the opposite tack might provide even greater stimulation, there has been little analysis of this approach in terms of fundamental 'tax philosophy' and implications for social justice.
More Articles...
- Podcast - Economics for Everyone - Part Two
- What Will Fix New Zealand’s Economy? - AKLD & WGTN
- Podcast - Economics for Everyone - Part One
- Economics for Everyone
- Alternative Budget Winners
- Peter Conway on Taxation - Switch or Swindle?
- Heresy Preached in Christchurch
- Dairy Farm Sales & Economic Sovereignty
- 'Bold Choices' Presentations Available
- Alternative Budget Competition