Speeches

Speech to the Epidemic Response Committee

Nobody knows what exactly our future will look like. But we do know that an economic framework with secure property rights, sound money, competition, freedom of contract, open markets and a functioning price system will give us the flexibility we need to weather the storms and grow out of this crisis. [...]

Trans-Tasman perspectives on transparency in decision-making: A view from New Zealand

The link between transparency and the political reform process. [...]

A Human Tsunami?

Maybe Merkel meant well. But that is the best you can say about her refugee policy. [...]

Stopping the growth of government

Shrinking government spending and government debt is vital if we want future generations to enjoy prosperous lives. Unfortunately, given the mechanisms of representative democracy in an ageing society, this looks like an impossible task. [...]

Europe’s existential funk – An examination of a continent in crisis

The European crisis we have been witnessing from afar for the past three years is not an ordinary recession. It is not even an ordinary depression. In fact, it is not even an ordinary economic crisis. [...]

Economic journalism – an international perspective

Australian economic journalism does not have to be afraid of a comparison with the kind of journalism that is practiced abroad. But a greater focus on international developments could make it better still. [...]

MMP, made in Germany

German constituency MPs thus also lack the degree of personal independence that we would often find in countries with a first-past-the-post system. The grip of political parties on the political process in Germany is much stronger than in countries like Britain, the US, or New Zealand. [...]

Global Fiscal Disasters and Recoveries: What Do They Mean for New Zealand and Australia?

There are good reasons to be very concerned about the future of the global economic and monetary order. In Australia and to a lesser degree in New Zealand we are probably in a somewhat better position than most other developed nations. We should use this opportunity to prepare ourselves for the next stages of the Global Financial Crisis. [...]

Economists vs Engineers debate: Who has the better ideas for NSW infrastructure?

Economists like us are not just funny people. We actually have a lot to say. And unlike politicians and engineers, economists don’t engage in daydreaming. We don’t do free lunches. [...]

Europe’s Three Crises

All in all, we are looking at a system of enormous complexity in which no single institution or person is in charge of dealing with the euro crisis. This chaos, although fascinating armchair entertainment, makes it difficult to predict the future of Europe. [...]