Month: December 2008

Sydney Morning Herald

Defining greed is an indulgence of its own

30/12/2008

Complicated times provoke simple answers. As the global financial crisis keeps unfolding, the no less global intellectual elite has readily identified the culprit. Political and religious leaders, artists and even some economists are convinced greed is to blame for our economic problems. A combined Google search for “global financial crisis” and “greed” delivers no fewer than 87,900 results. But is greed really the culprit or just a convenient scapegoat? And is greed an economic category at all? […]

Speeches

The end of capitalism?

29/12/2008

While there is no denying that markets have failed, there is certainly no lack of government failure either. There is a danger, nevertheless, that governments, the media and special interest groups will seize on the opportunity to use the economic downturn for their own purposes. And that is the challenge of this economic downturn. […]

The Australian

Crisis a valuable lesson

26/12/2008

Markets have shown remarkable resilience and keep bouncing back. Despite their flaws, they have consistently turned out to be the best way to co-ordinate economic activity. They aren’t perfect, but what is? It was Belinda Carlisle who promised that Heaven is a Place on Earth, not free-market economists. […]

Uncategorised

Santa Rudd is coming to town

11/12/2008

For Australia’s mayors and shire presidents, Christmas came a bit earlier this year—on 18 November, to be precise. But Santa Claus did not come to town. Instead, the towns went to Santa, played by no other than the prime minister himself. Kevin Rudd clearly enjoyed his new role, handing out a total of $300 million in pre-Christmas giveaways at the inaugural meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government in Canberra. […]

Sydney Morning Herald

There’s no such thing as a free bus service, Mr Premier

05/12/2008

Nathan Rees promised to make Sydneysiders’ lives easier on Wednesday as he launched the off-peak bus service between Circular Quay and Central Station. “Sometimes it can be difficult to know exactly which bus to catch if you’re only going a few blocks in the city,” he said. The buses will be free to use, courtesy of the Government. But is he making a positive contribution to public transport or is it a politician’s pre-Christmas gimmick? […]