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Archived news for May 2006 | Recent news
Yet again, Brumby fails to put his best foot forward
The 2006-07 state budget is a typical John Brumby budget. It is best described as a budget that lives well within very ample financial means. It...
Government is just getting in the way
Infrastructure inadequacies are seen by many as economic choke points, but where problems have occurred they stem from governments. Congested road...
Yes, minister, it takes ages, costs more
Last week the Government issued its 20-year transport strategy. There were two gorgeous documents full of vacuous words and phrases such as...
Does the Murray River Still Need Saving?
On budget night the Federal Treasurer, Peter Costello, pledged MORE public money to "Save the Murray River". An extra $500 million will be spent on...
Bureaucrat boom time
It has been a great decade so far for bureaucrats. Governments of all levels have increased their bureaucrat workforce by over 90,000 positions or...
Market has to set wages
Botswana, according to a survey released this week, is the only country with a skills shortage worse than Australia's. For those who believe that...
Is Murray money worth its salt?
The Murray River was the focus of the Federal Government's commitment to the environment when the Federal Budget was announced last week. An extra...
Why the birthrate's falling
When politicians say they want to "help families", it is difficult to object. After all, families are the single most important institution in the...
Government misses tax reform boat
Australia has not taken advantage of buoyant conditions to reduce tax, writes Alan Moran. THE high-level budget debate has predominantly...
So rich, we can afford to keep 'Saving the Murray River'
The Murray River is a national icon, and campaigning for years by the Australian Conservation Foundation means the river is usually a focus when...