The outcome of this weekend’s Australian election seems similar to the hung parliament situation they faced in the UK earlier this year. It looks like a minority party will have to do deals with other members to maintain or win control of the government.
Why is it so close? Well, the answer’s obvious. Voters are disillusioned because there has been little engagement in the key strategic issues for the country. Dr Richard Denniss, executive director of The Australia Institute, says this is because the major parties have drip-fed their policies during the course of the campaigns, giving no time for proper analysis and debate. Surely this is a challenge to the principles behind democracy. So, isn’t it about time things were changed?
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Ignoring the talk, waiting for the facts
It’s been a scratchy session, says NAB’s David de Garis, as markets shy away from sharp moves ahead of Friday’s payrolls data from the US.
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Did NBN Co really listen on Layer 3?
There’s no doubt that NBN Co has a big job on its hands and some fundamental decisions need to be made quickly. The question is, are they being made too quickly? In this week’s Twisted Wire we look at whether, in the rush to reach conclusions, the NBN Co’s own consultation process has not been as inclusive as it should be.
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Energy prices rise further, central banks more hawkish
Energy prices are lifting inflation expectations. NAB’s Tapas Strickland says central banks are planning a faster path of tightening as a result. Could the BoE lift rates next month?
