News: Commentary
Not wiped out. Even after the collapse of Greensill, there's time to save Whyalla
Maintaining existing steel operations will not be sufficient to ensure the economic prosperity of Whyalla going forward. In this opinion piece, Michael O'Neil argues that a strategic approach to diversifying the local economy, driven by local action, is required to alter Whyalla’s economic destiny.
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Artificial intelligence revolution offers benefits and challenges
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the subject of much, and sometimes fantastical, speculation. However, the development of powerful mathematical models and increasing computer power have combined to make AI economically useful for a wide range of tasks, and companies report that the adoption of AI has delivered improvements in sales and efficiency. In an Issues Paper just released by SACES, the Australian Institute of Machine Learning argues that AI has reached a global tipping point and that Australia needs to invest in research and development in order to take advantage of this next wave of automation. Australia urgently needs a formal, national strategy for AI to ensure that we are net beneficiaries and not simply powerless recipients of this new and potentially disruptive technology.
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Greater COVID-19 consultation needed to avoid economic losses
The SA Centre for Economic Studies (SACES) is urging the State Government to consider a more consultative approach with industry in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid disruption and losses to the hotel sector. This recommendation is informed by a survey of the hotel industry in South Australia to gauge the impact of the sudden lockdown of South Australia due to COVID-19 in November 2020.
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COVID-19 will change more than our health
The social isolation that is central to curbing the spread of the COVID virus has implications for the short- and long-term nature of workplaces, and society more generally, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd says.
Could COVID-19 have a silver lining for South Australia?
SA could see a turnaround to a net migration inflow over the next two to three years as people are attracted by State’s positive health and lifestyle options, the Chair of the State Planning Commission, Michael Lennon, says.
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COVID-19 should encourage new approach to development
Prominent developer, Theo Maras, says people’s desire to move closer to Adelaide’s CBD due to COVID-19 should see mixed-use development near, but not on, the parklands.
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Investing in a post-pandemic future
The SA Centre for Economic Studies today launches a series of commentaries examining the implications of COVID-19. First up is Con Michalakis, CIO of Statewide Super, who proposes that local super funds should be invested in SA’s recovery.
Long term employment trends across industries in Australia and lessons to learn from Australia’s past
Trends in employment in Australia have emerged over time across industries. These trends help us understand structural changes in the economy as well as how employment has been impacted by external and internal events over time, which industries are more vulnerable and which ones have recovered. In this post we examine how employment levels have evolved at the sectoral level at various intervals over the past 30 years.
SME's and young workers face significant COVID-19 lockdown challenges
Nearly a quarter of jobs in South Australia are in sectors such as hospitality, transport, and retail trade which are not suited to working from home and have been hard hit during the pandemic. As a consequence, the young, less educated and casual employees are particularly vulnerable during the current crisis. There is a need for the Federal Government to re-examine the JobKeeper program to ensure that it best suits the coming emergent economy.
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How COVID-19 may impact employers and employees in the longer term
In today’s article, Darryl Gobbett, Research Fellow of SACES, identifies some key issues that employers, the self-employed and employees may encounter as the Australian economy emerges from the COVID-19 lockdown.
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