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 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.

Economists and others have worried about the long-run outlook for the federal debt for decades, recognising that the ageing of the baby boom generation would lead to budgetary pressures associated with increased spending. Set in the American context, this guide covers many issues that currently prevail in Australia.

This paper argues that Australia is emerging from the pandemic sooner, and at less economic cost than expected, but with higher unemployment and elevated debt. Businesses and households are more uncertain than usual, though the recovery is already underway and will likely gain momentum over coming months.