(1989) Trade Unions: Michael Easson
Published in the weekend supplement to The Australian newspaper, Australian Magazine, 25-26 March 1989, p. 29.
2025: Is Australia Ready for the Ceasefire?
With a Gaza ceasefire imminent, Australia could play a role in constructively aiding the peace process. Despite recent controversies at home, Australia is still among Israel’s strongest supporters east of Jerusalem. Only the Pacific atoll nations are more supportive.
(2024) Secular & Catholic Social Democracy: The Race Mathews Biography
It is a spectacular irony that in the 21st century, so far, the Australian whom in sympathy most popularised Catholic social thought is a committed atheist and Fabian socialist who youthfully flirted with joining the Communist Party. This is only one of the fascinating features of the life of Race Mathews (1935- ), explored in a well-researched biography by his wife and noted author, Iola Mathews.
(2024) Getting Housing Policy Right
They do not get enough credit, the NSW Productivity Commission people. Their recent ‘Review of Housing Supply Challenges and Policy Options’ report sheds light on the importance of maintaining a pro-housing regulatory environment.
(2024) Enough is Enough
Speech on Sunday 15 December 2024 to the ‘Together with Israel’ rally in Martin Place, Sydney.
(2024) Rob Ferguson: “Became wiser and gentler while still doggedly seeking the truth”
From tiny home in Padstow, schooling at East Hills Boys High in the 1960s, to Australia’s leading investment banker, is not a common route, then as now. Former CEO of Bankers Trust Australia (BTA), 1985 to 1999, then its chairman to 2001, Robert Alexander “Rob” Ferguson (2 December 1945- 31 August 2024) died last month after a long battle with the lung disease fibrosis. Jen, his wife of 56 years, sister Fiona, and son-in-law Pete kept vigil.
(2024): Launch of In Search of John Christian Watson
Photos taken from the launch The Prime Minister’s remarks: Launch of ‘In Search of John Christian Watson, Labor’s First Prime Minister’ by Michael Easson | Prime Minister of Australia (pm.gov.au) Video of the Launch: Postscript I intended to say the words below. But Albo was so comprehensive and good in what he said, as the…
(2024) The Cause of Crossing the Floor
WA Labor Senator Fatima Payman’s crossing the Senate floor to vote for a Greens’ motion on immediate recognition of the state of Palestine and against the Government is highly unusual in the ALP.
(2024) Unionist and Clever Boxer Fought Back When Stung. Stan Sharkey, 1933-2024.
Stan Sharkey (1933-2024), NSW and national leader of building workers, former amateur and professional boxer, jockey, apprentice bricklayer, then skilled tradesman, communist, deserves tribute for an interesting, vital, important life.
(2024) What Would Tom Think?
It is an excellent question: ‘What would Tom think?’ Professor Tom Parry AM (1945-2024), economics professor, raconteur, businessman, and regulator, who was laid to rest at the end of May, was a rarity. A sharp mind who made economic rationalism understandable, popular, and effective.