Should we shrink the public sector and give the market a greater share? With the current focus on reducing public debt, the federal Treasurer says we have unsustainable expectations about what governments can deliver and so governments need to cut spending and downsize. But does smaller government guarantee economic growth ? Will the private sector rise to fill the space?

Guests

Peter Mares, Contributing editor to the online journal Inside Story

Hon John Brumby, Chair COAG Reform Council and former Premier of Victoria.

Professor Judith Sloane, Contributing Economics Editor at The Australian Newspaper

Dr Tim Thornton, Lecturer, Department of Education and Social Sciences, Swinburne University

Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO Australian Council of Social Services

Presented as part of Melbourne Conversations