Are those in the economic driving seat up to the task? Its nearly three months since the Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg foreshadowed a plan to "keep Australians in Jobs" with "economic hibernation", and that would "building an economic bridge to recovery". Then came a series of spends with the aim of keeping the economic afloat. A little spend at first, a bit of a sop to business and pensioners. Then came the big ones 'Jobkeeper 1500', at first estimated to cost $130 billion for 6.5 million workers, now revised down to $70 billion for 3.5 million, and Jobseeker 1100' where the dole was instantly doubled to $1100 per fortnight as 600,000 hopped on board in April. With both the Jobkeeper and Jobseeker programs due to end in September, and debt mounting by the day, what is the long term economic prospects for Australia during the possible two years before an election is called?

Paul1405,
Does it really matter what this Govt does ? You et al will criticise whatever action they take anyway ! Instead of asking what will happen in the future why don't you simply tell us what you'd do at this time ? For once, suggest a plan !

Dear Paul,

Of course it matters what the government does.
The bushfires, the corona virus, and their
consequences have taken their toll. However
the Reserve Bank tells us that the country's
strong regulatory institutions, its ability to
respond to global changes, its diversification,
services-based economy will continue to underpin
its sturdy growth.

Our economy we're told is the world's 14th largest.
Rated AAA with a stable outlook by all 3 global
rating agencies. We can only hope that the forecast
for growth will end up delivering us from the debts
we're currently incurring.

Fingers-crossed.

I can picture Soot and the fellas sitting around the bushfire in the evening as Soot dressed in his newest Hawaiian shirt pulls out his ukulele and starts singing:

"Throw another billion on the Wu-han fire
Cook me up some cor-ron-a-vir-us too
....................................... Come on! Singalong Australia!"

We need men like Soot as well as great mathematicians like Josh Frydenberg and great sports organisers like Bridget McKenzie if we expect to succeed as a nation.

Hi Indy and Foxy,

I want to see a concrete plan for jobs and development in Australia placed on the table. The statement from the money people is all well and good, it makes for a feeling of confidence in the community but contains nothing of substance when it comes to action, and we need action if we are going to minimise the economic damage. If as it seems Australia has access to $60 billion or more of extra borrowing power why not put it to use with some real investment in the future. 'Infrastructure Australia' is in place, it has a propitiatory list, mostly of road works and a few other minor ideas. How about we put 'Infrastructure Australia' onto financial steroids and kick off some real nation building projects.

One the other side there is industry where jobs can also be created if we can identify and invest in new or expanded businesses. That can be in partnership with private investment, or it can be purely government run business. In my opinion only if private enterprise is unable or unwilling to be involved in real job creation then government should take the lead.

It appears not a lot heard what caused the extra $B60 amount.
A poorly designed form, no doubt done in a rush, meant some
employers put the amount they were claiming into the box for
the number of employees.
It was as simple as that.