Economy

Housing protest outside the Labor national conference, August 19

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's argument that long-term government is counterposed to pro-working class policies contains major flaws, argues Alex Bainbridge.

Philip Lowe said he is proud of the RBA’s unpopular role in forcing working people to bear the burden of “fighting inflation”. But don’t count on interest rates stopping rising inflation; unemployment is going up, too. Peter Boyle reports.

A report by the Antipoverty Centre, published by GetUp!, reveals just how punishing “mutual obligation” schemes are for those on JobSeeker and Youth Allowance. Isaac Nellist reports.

The campaign for fair water flow and better monitoring and regulation in the Murray Darling Basin Plan has to continue, argues Tracey Carpenter.

Koala puppetry at Naarm/Melbourne Rally for the Forests, August 12

The Rally for Forests in Naarm/Melbourne used puppetry to get its message across. Jordan AK reports.

Bangladesh garment factory

John Smith is the author of Imperialism in the Twenty-First Century: Globalization, Super-Exploitation, and Capitalism’s Final Crisis. He spoke with Green Left’s Federico Fuentes about the realities of 21st century imperialism. This is the first of a two-part interview.

Labor claims its amendments to strengthen the welfare safety net are “structural” and “calibrated”. But the changes are not enough to lift people out of poverty. Leo Earle reports.

ILWU

Canadian dockworkers in British Columbia voted on August 3‒4 to accept a new tentative agreement with employers, reports Jeff Shantz.

A public forum on the housing crisis was told that while non-market solutions are ignored by governments the housing crisis will intensify. Jordan AK reports.

Marianniz Díaz and Ivan Ernesto Barreto building solidarity with Cuba

Two young Cubans, currently touring Australia with the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society, are speaking at a public meeting on Cuba’s challenges and latest achievements. Allen Jennings reports.

Ten million workers are struggling but Australia’s national net wealth, if redistributed, could end the crushing poverty which directly accounts for at least 10% of the suicide toll. Gerry Georgatos reports.

Australian universities graphic

Suzanne James asks if Australia can really find its way back to Whitlam-style free education policy when so many are ensnared in a hunger-games economy, driven by the greed of the privileged, privately-educated few?