Where has the disaster gone in debt and deficits?

In response to the global pandemic the Australian Government has committed to an economic stimulus program resulting in close to $1 trillion in debt. This is despite the Liberal side of politics claiming for decades about the disasters of debt and deficit. This has been successful politically for the Liberal government, and problematic for Labor governments.

Yet, since the announcement of the pandemic stimulus program, the claims about the disaster of debt and deficit have diminished. This government has moved from an economic policy of small government, low taxes and low government spending to one of big government spending and debt and deficit. The pandemic has necessitated a radical change in this thinking, but whether this represents a sustained shift in economic policy is yet to be determined.

On Wednesday 9th June, The Newcastle Institute is hosting a free public webinar with a panel discussion focusing economic policy and why debt and deficits are no longer a disaster. Our three panelists will present different perspectives on economic theory and policy to explain the change in economic thinking. The webinar will be presented live and free on our Facebook pageand members will also be sent an invitation to take part interactively via Zoom.

Dr. Angela Jackson

Angela is an experienced public sector economist who has worked at the highest levels of Government, with a track record of delivering results under pressure and negotiating outcomes. Angela was Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Australian Minister for Finance and Deregulation from November 2007 to September 2010. Angela has a PhD in health economics, Angela has specialised knowledge of the health sector alongside an intimate understanding of Government.

Dr. Adam Triggs

Adam is a Director at Accenture Strategy, a visiting fellow at the Crawford School at the ANU and a Non-Resident fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC. Adam is widely published in leading economic journals and a regular contributor to international and Australian media.

George Pantelopoulos

George is a PhD candidate at the University of Newcastle. His dissertation explores why global imbalances occur and persist within the international monetary system. George has published in a number of highly ranked academic journals, and is currently collaborating with a senior member of the European Central Bank with a view toward publishing a book on payments and financial market infrastructures.

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