One of the major economic policy issues of the times is the growth of public debt in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and what this growth means for the future. Some economists believe the burden will be manageable. Others express varying degrees of concern. In this report, Robert Carling examines the issues at play.

This paper updates the analysis of the global macroeconomic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in an earlier paper, with data as of late October 2020. It also extends the focus to Asian economies, and explores four alternative policy interventions coordinated across all economies.

Regional inequality has been increasing in many countries. It is well recognised that living standards across Australia are also not equal. People in regions away from the capital cities generally have lower incomes, poorer health outcomes, less access to services. This inquiry report looks at how inequality in the regions can be reduced.

This report analyses the economic effects of COVID-19 on Tasmania, and suggests how Tasmania can rebuild its way out of the COVID-19 crisis. It also makes some key recommendations to help Tasmania avoid the mistakes made at the federal level.

The unprecedented government response to the global pandemic has pushed public debt in many countries to historic highs, relative to output. This paper assesses the arguments for and against fiscal expansion and rapidly rising public debt as a means to invest in comprehensive wealth.