Author: Jade Cunanan

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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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