Cutting unemployment benefits by $50 a week will take about $5 billion out of the economy in the coming year. That’s not good news for jobs.
read more Why the JobSeeker ‘rise’ could actually cost 40,000 Australians their jobs
Author: Brendan Coates
The JobSeeker rise is not enough
The Morrison Government today finally announced an increase in the permanent rate of JobSeeker. But still unemployed Australians are being asked to live well below the poverty line.
Our economic institutions are forecasting policy failure. Governments will have to spend up big to avoid it.
Australia is in for a long and damaging economic slump, unless governments inject substantially more fiscal stimulus.
Early release of super doesn’t justify higher compulsory contributions
New Grattan Institute modelling shows that most Australians will have a comfortable retirement – even if they’ve spent some of their super early.
read more Early release of super doesn’t justify higher compulsory contributions
Job losses caused by COVID-19, electorate by electorate
Coastal electorates that rely heavily on tourism have been hit hardest, and workers in rural and regional electorates have been hit harder than workers in the major capitals.
read more Job losses caused by COVID-19, electorate by electorate
Why we won’t know the full effect of COVID-19 on jobs in Australia for at least another month
The March labour force data will report on a jobs market that sadly no longer exists – the Australia before widespread spatial distancing and shutdowns of non-essential businesses.
COVID-19: Giving people early access to their super is the right move
Workers affected by the COVID-19 economic crisis can now access up to $20,000 of their super to help see them through. It’s a good move.
read more COVID-19: Giving people early access to their super is the right move
As the COVID-19 crisis deepens, few Australians have much cash in the bank
It’s clear than many Australian households will need help if they loose their livelihoods through the COVID-19 crisis. They should be a high priority for the Morrison Government as it puts together its second economic support package.
read more As the COVID-19 crisis deepens, few Australians have much cash in the bank
COVID-19: Our most vulnerable workers need more help
Over a third of Australian workers don’t have paid sick leave. They’re in a vulnerable position.
read more COVID-19: Our most vulnerable workers need more help
Super myths and reality
Our new paper finds that when super goes up, wages grow more slowly. This has sparked a lively debate – and the need to correct some myths and misconceptions about our work.