This paper explores the implications and policy issues arising as the mining boom passes through three phases. It puts forward essential elements of economic outcomes and needed policy responses as the mining boom runs its course.

Australia is experiencing its largest mining boom for more than a century and a half. This paper explores, from a national perspective, important economic differences that arise when a mining boom, such as the current one, is generated by sustained export price increases (trading gains) rather than export volume increases. Since 2003 the terms of...

Bob Gregory contrasts ‘the presuppositions of Royal Parade’ of 1950 Melbourne with the present outlook of himself and Australia at large. He outlines the evolution of his methodological position from the University of Melbourne student to the Canberra policy advisor, and defends that position from criticism. He recalls the genesis of the Gregory Thesis, and...

Bob Gregory argues that unemployment has been at unacceptable levels for at least the last twenty five years and is probably Australia's most serious economic and social problem.