In this forthcoming research paper, CPD fellow James Slezak will explore the disconnect between Australia's CO2 reduction targets and its spending on transport infrastructure.

As Australia heads into a recession and our budget heads into deficit, one of Australia's least fair and least effective forms of public investment is still growing like topsy. In this paper for the Centre for Policy Development Dr Ben Spies-Butcher and Adam Stebbing uncover Australia's hidden welfare state. Using the superannuation tax concessions as a case study, they explore options for transforming tax expenditures to make Commonwealth spending fairer and more transparent.

In this paper CPD fellow Ian McAuley outlines the main implications of behavioural economics for financial decision-making, breaking down the myth that market participants are always rational decision-makers who act to maximise their own best interests.

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.

Australians are addicted to debt but we can't afford to keep borrowing at current levels forever. 'Deeper in Debt' is CPD fellow Steve Keen's analysis of Australia's looming crisis in housing affordability and private debt.

CPD fellow John Quiggin examines the role of government as the ultimate risk manager. He argues that risk will be the defining concept of the 21st century, the way that globalisation was for the 1990s.

February 25^th was Debt Freedom Day for 2007: the day Australia had earned enough income to fund the annual interest on its loans. The good news is that the day has finally arrived. The bad news is that it has been so long in coming. Find out more in the Debt Freedom Day Report 2007 by Steve Keen