In his new discussion paper for the Centre for Policy Development, Fred Argy demolishes eight myths underpinning what currently passes for “fiscal conservatism” in Australia. The view that neither taxes nor public debt levels should ever increase is lazy and timid policy, not good governance, writes Argy. more
Fred Argy
Articles by Fred Argy:
Howard’s reforms and Australian values
This paper by Fred Argy discusses the impact of John Howard’s WorkChoices and welfare-to-work agenda on workforce participation, productivity, equality, personal freedom and self-reliance – values highly prized by Australians. It then outlines an alternative social democratic agenda – one which mixes economic liberalism with active social intervention. more
Equality of Opportunity: Levelling the playing field
Social mobility requires free and competitive markets, a lightly regulated labour market and active redistribution strategies, according to Fred Argy. Any attempt to remove the barriers to social mobility through active social investment should be preceded by a public education campaign.
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Does high employment require high social inequality?
Fred Argy delves into Northern Europe’'s success in social and economic policy, and asks if Australia will ever give the social investment model a fair go
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Dealing with joblessness and income inequality: has Australia taken the wrong turn?
All governments keep a sensitive eye on what is happening to inequality of incomes and inequality of opportunity because they want to be seen to be fair and because sharing the nation’s incremental prosperity helps bind the community together.
But governments are also concerned about national productivity, because it is the key to prosperity and high real wages, and joblessness because it causes economic waste, poverty and unhappiness.
Comment on The Common Wealth – Fred Argy
This is a very laudable project for the authors of the Common Wealth but one that is very challenging. While one could argue about the particular values chosen (e.g. why is economic efficiency, which is so crucial to the practical realisation of most social goals, left right out?), it is hard to disagree with them. While the document is a great starting point, I have some concerns – mainly about practicability.
Is Australia’s egalitarian society slipping away?
Focussing on the role that egalitarian values might play in a fair society, by Fred Argy more