Monthly Archives: October 2007

What happens to junior when mum or dad loses their job?

Posted on October 25, 2007 by

What happens to kids’ school performance if their parent becomes unemployed? According to a new study from Norway, the answer depends on whether it’s mum or dad. They use plant closings rather than all job losses, since economists generally think that … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics of the Family, From the Frontiers | 7 Comments

Finding Furtive Flutters

Posted on October 24, 2007 by

Peter Van Onselen, definitely one of the rising stars of Australian political science, has a piece in the Bulletin this week on betting markets, which includes this tidbit. The Bulletin understands that political insiders, armed with internal party research, are … Continue reading →

Posted in Australian Politics | 15 Comments

Is Don's Party Over?

Posted on October 24, 2007 by

Sportingbet is now offering odds on the Democrats’ performance in the 2007 Australian election. They think that there’s an 80% chance that no Democrat will make it. WILL A DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE IN EITHER HOUSE BE ELECTED AT THIS ELECTION? Yes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Australian Politics | 2 Comments

Best of the Bets

Posted on October 24, 2007 by

For election tragics, Simon Jackman’s Betting Market Summary (updated daily; graphs and stats galore) should be compulsory reading.

Posted in Australian Politics

Forthcoming ANU RSSS Economics Seminars

Posted on October 24, 2007 by

The ANU RSSS Economics seminar schedule for the remainder of the year is over the fold.

Posted in Coming Events

Was the OECD right after all?

Posted on October 23, 2007 by

Somewhat to my surprise, the feistiest part of Sunday night’s debate (“pathetic!”, “dishonest!”) was a discussion about whether an OECD report on public education spending had properly taken account of Australia’s HECS system. I had always assumed that this was because … Continue reading →

Posted in Australian Politics, Economics of Education, Universities | 15 Comments

If you thought the discussion of aspirational voters was tedious, try aspirational tax schedules

Posted on October 23, 2007 by

Peter Costello is today focusing on 2012… or is it 2013? However, Mr Howard and Mr Costello focused on the “aspirational” tax pledges both sides have made for beyond the 2010 election. Labor said that in six years, if affordable, … Continue reading →

Posted in Australian Politics, Tax | 1 Comment