I went to an Economic Society of Australia event a few weeks ago - Immigration and Identity: The Economics of a Globalised World. The panel included Dr John Edwards (CEDA), Denise Ryan Costello (The Age), Professor John Langmore (formerly UN Division for Social Policy) and Dr. Jim Minifie (Grattan Institute). They encouraged live audience tweeting during the panel discussion. So here were a few of my thoughts:
What impact will global insular movements (Brexit, Trump) have on international immigration? Will underlying trends continue?
Could better public infrastructure investment also help better address Australia's two speed economy?
How could a universal basic income help, generally, but also in alleviating populist hostility towards immigration/globalisation?
How can Australia - a high cost country with only 24m people - justify its own car industry?
Did Australia avoiding the GFC help us avoid the subsequent populism unlike the US and Europe?
How will automation affect immigration? Less jobs required so less immigration?
As Keynes said, trade can turn an enemy into a business partner.
If WA taught us anything, save your big productive infrastructure investments for the downturn!
National identity should come from shared values - free speech, separation of church and state, equality for women and minorities.
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