Jim Chalmers’ first speech as treasurer outlines the enormity of the global economic situation – inflation, energy and supply chain issues, and a continuing war in Europe – and signposts that this is a budget that’s much more about what he’s taking away (or reallocating) than new announcements. It’s not often we get two budgets…
The 2021 Census revealed that Millennials were about to overtake Baby Boomers as the largest generational group in Australia. In 2021, Millennials were aged 25-39 years. This age cohort is commonly associated with key life transitions such as completing studies, establishing relationships, marriage, having children and purchasing a home. The characteristics of generations are shaped…
Jim Chalmers is a wily operator. Ahead of delivering his first budget next Tuesday, he has given himself room to do the things a treasurer needs to do. For a while, his predecessor Josh Frydenberg denied himself that room. In his first budget as treasurer under Scott Morrison ahead of the 2019 election, Frydenberg promised…
We are betting that if you are reading this, you have some kind of insurance: maybe for your car, your house, your fur baby, or your health. But have you ever stopped to think about what it is, how it works, and if it is even worth it? Let’s start at the beginning – what…
The Bureau of Statistics has just released a new set of data from the 2021 census. The first set – released in June 2022 – covered topics including age, sex, religion, unpaid work and country of birth. The second set, released recently, provides insights into the kinds of jobs Australians have (and if they have…
The recent release of 2021 Census data revealed a shocking “one million homes were unoccupied”. This statistic sent housing commentators, government agencies and policymakers into a spin. At a time of significant housing shortages, these extra million homes would surely make a big difference. They could provide housing for some homeless, ease the rental affordability…
Global stock markets are tanking on fears of recessions in the US, the UK and Europe, and the OECD is actually forecasting recessions in Europe. So is recession now inevitable in Australia? Not at all. The good news is there are several reasons to think Australia might be able to escape a global slide into…
Every four minutes, approximately 1,000 babies are born across the globe. But in which countries are these babies the most statistically likely to come from? Using data from the CIA World Factbook, this graphic paints a picture of the world’s demographics, showing which countries are most likely to welcome the next 1,000 babies based on…
The Reserve Bank has just reported a loss of A$37 billion, the biggest in its history, and it says it will be unable to pay the government dividends for some time. The announcement followed a review of its bond-buying program, one of the most important ways it supported the economy during the first two years…
Australia’s appetite for home renovations remains strong, with around A$1 billion worth of alterations and additions to homes approved in July. But rising interest rates and shortages in labour and material may have some would-be renovators wondering: is this still a good idea? Here are five questions worth considering. 1. What would a successful renovation…
