You two women have produced a very tnhoughtful piece which explains why the global recession hasn't yet reached the outer suburbs. You've factored in the first home buyers scheme and show it as a major influence on the maintainence of property values. All I'd point to as a constructive criticism is a need to also factor in Rudd's cash give aways. That didn't go to entrepreneurs nor the residents of Hamilton.

I think that emloyers have scaled back hours rather than sack people and I think the cash handouts, 50% of which haven't yet been spent, are now being used by those people who face a falling income, to maintain their lifestyles.

If that transpires to be correct next Feb/Mar when Christmas credit card bills have to be paid will see the start of the real depression for those in the outer suburbs.

I know what I'm saying but your piece is still excellent and has the authorative imprimatur of scholarly common sense.