Productivity is the ultimate economic salve. Name almost any economic problem and more productivity is proffered as the solution. Yet, notwithstanding the odd summit, productivity looms small in our national conversation. Could it be that productivity is not al that it is cracked up to be?

Australia’s Productivity Commission recently raised the prospect of Australians having more leisure time. Yes, you read that right.

Shorter working weeks is not a new idea. Despite a century of predictions as families we are working more than ever. Perhaps this time is different. So, what are we going to take - the money or the fun?

This speech to the 2025 National Conference of the Australia’s National Employment Services Association highlights key findings from Of[f] Course Minister. The speech explains how governance drift is affecting the delivery of social services in Australia.

Economic thinking dominated policy making for many decades, but no longer it seems. To regain its place at the table, economic thinking needs to respond to the changing nature of our society, the challenges we are now seeing emerge, and deepen the understanding it brings to the policy table. 

For-profit companies play an enormous role in our society. They provide products and services we consume, and employment for millions of people. Most Australians are part owners of many different for-profit companies via our superannuation. Yet, despite all of this, companies are also deeply disliked, reviled even. So what place should companies have in our society?

Ritual plays an important part of our lives as individuals, families and members of a community. Yet our busy lives and differences in our community leave little room for rituals which bring us together as a nation. Is this a mistake?