Ian McAuley

In the court of public opinion Bridget McKenzie has become the scapegoat for systemic poor administration. (more…)

In dealing with economic problems requiring adaptive change we shouldn’t look to so-called “leaders”. We need leadership.  There is a profound difference. (more…)

Economics and public policy are influenced by a nineteenth century model of capital, and therefore of capitalism, that is no longer fit for purpose. (more…)

The past 30 years have seen a massive sale of government business enterprises, which, on privatisation, have set prices in line with corporate profit-maximisation. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the consequent allocation of resources is probably less efficient than would have been the case had governments retained ownership and control over prices. (more…)

It’s unfortunate that the term “socialism” has become a weapon in the armoury of those who stop government from performing its economically-justified functions. (more…)

Competition generally brings tremendous benefits to consumers, but when it becomes an end in itself those benefits can be outweighed by the costs of competition. (more…)

An obsession with “balanced budgets”, promoted by successive Coalition governments, is having serious economic consequences. (more…)

To those who are frustrated by petty restrictions getting in the way of their plans, the term “deregulation” has appeal, but it makes no sense, and can be economically irresponsible, to consider markets in terms of more or less regulation.   (more…)

Policymakers and journalists generally talk about “society”, “the economy” and “the environment” as if they are separate entities, implying a tradeoff of objectives. Such a classification leads to poor policy and promotes unnecessary division. (more…)

A regular collection of links to writings and broadcasts in other media (more…)

Not all growth improves our wellbeing; not every job is a useful job. We should not confuse economic indicators, encapsulated in slogans, with meaningful economic outcomes. (more…)

“Aspiration” used to mean something more noble than greed.  We need to claim it back. (more…)