The recent bipartisan support for the national disability insurance scheme, DisabilityCare, and the associated increase in personal income tax rates will see a significant investment of public money in the most labour-intensive industry in Australia. The result will be a large increase in employment.

The benefits of this new job creation will flow to all sectors of the economy, as skilled labour that is currently locked in the provision of informal care for friends and family will be freed up to pursue work in the market sector, if they want it.

Just as the provision of high quality and affordable childcare allows parents who wish to undertake paid work with the opportunity to do so, DisabilityCare will also allow more carers who want paid work to search for it.

To read Richard's latest Australian Financial Review column, click here

 Last month, PWCS management halted development of its controversial T4 coal terminal after downgrading its demand projections, citing falling commodity prices and the shifting global energy market. 

Considering the opportunistic nature of the proposal, this was always likely to be the case. 

To read more of Richard Denniss' opinion piece published in the Newcastle Herald, click here.

 A lot of the debate in Australia reflects concern about our future and how budgetary pressures are likely to evolve.

Intergenerational reports have provided a useful service by presenting projections 40 years ahead - but how seriously should we treat these predictions?

To read David Richardson's latest article published on The Drum, click here.

 Do Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey know how badly conservative governments are managing their economies in Europe? 

While Australia ''struggles'' along with gross domestic product growth of just below 3 per cent and unemployment rate of 5.7 per cent, economic activity in the eurozone declined by 0.2 per cent in the first three months of 2013. 

To read Richard Denniss' latest article published in The Canberra Times, click here.

 Former NSW Treasurer and Minister for the Hunter Michael Costa has attacked current Opposition Leader John Robertson for his comments suggesting the Labor Party was planning to phase out coal mining. 

Mr Costa labeled the move a betrayal of the party’s traditional voters. Michael Costa’s concern for the jobs of devout Labor voters is very selective.

 To read more of Mark Ogge's opinion piece published in the Maitland Mercury, click here.