Why centre-based childcare fails our young kids
What if it turns out that long daycare is actually harmful to many children and that the consequences will play out for the rest of their lives?
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How to give parents more real childcare choices
Whether it’s tax-deductible nannies or subsidies for mums to stay home, can’t some of the vast sums spent by governments on childcare fees be redirected to provide greater choice for parents?
Shock and disappointment for some but discretion wins out
Jim Chalmers would have preferred a different outcome. But an independent central bank must be left to get on with meeting its defined objectives.
Book boasts abundance of policy scripts, but can it win voters?
Ezra Klein’s Abundance — with its take on stifling red tape and over-regulation — is making a splash in Canberra. But is it realistic when it comes to winning power?
Sure, boost supply, but don’t forget the backyard is still king
Parents’ preferences for detached housing with a backyard have not noticeably changed over the years. Yet so many politicians are keen to impose their housing preferences on citizens.
A very timid delivery, Minister
The declaration by Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki that state budgets should be boring was a courageous one. Sadly, Janetzki wasn’t true to his word in the budget he delivered.
Building a future on guesses and gambles
There are many subtle ways in which the budget figures can be manipulated to show the NSW government’s fiscal approach in the best possible light.
Middle East economic fallout likely to hurt us through China
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is best advised to change his tune from triumphal achiever to cautious manager of a difficult economic situation.
Government’s inexorable growth is killing incentive
One of things we teach our children is that there is difference between wants and needs. Too many politicians have forgotten this lesson and are happy to spend other people’s money.
Productivity shindig unlikely to lead to dramatic reforms
The idea that reform can be based on consensus, with everyone agreeing, is unworkable. Let’s face it, there were plenty of people opposed to the Hawke-Keating agenda of financial sector deregulation.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/judith-sloan