Finland tops the media literacy index, an annual index of European countries measuring resistance to fake news. Finland’s success rests on the teaching of media literacy skills in schools. 

Unemployment policies in Nordic countries highlight how Australian unemployment benefits could be improved. Poverty levels in Nordic countries are significantly lower than in Australia, partly due to unemployment policies that provide greater support.

It has been claimed that higher levels of taxation weaken the economy but a comparative study of 188 economies shows that higher levels of taxation are correlated with higher average income. The positive correlation also exists with other measures of economic wellbeing.

The provision of free childcare provides the rarest of economic policy opportunities – it’s both an effective form of fiscal stimulus in the short term and has the capacity to boost the long-term participation rate and, in turn, the long-run rate of economic growth.

The Danish Government has refused Covid-19 bailout money to companies registered in tax havens. This has inspired some countries to adopt similar restrictions, but Australia is yet to follow suit.

Nordic countries have incarceration rates that are a fraction of Australia’s. Their systems emphasise non-custodial alternatives to imprisonment and promote prisoners’ access to education. This has helped Nordic prisons respond to Covid-19.

“The organised tripartite co-operation and universal welfare states of the Nordic countries have encouraged an immediate, united societal response to this major health and economic crisis.”
- Andrew Scott, Convenor, Nordic Policy Centre

This catalogue details the Nordic states’ economic responses to assist workers during the Covid-19 crisis. It builds on the international catalogue of economic responses compiled by the Centre for Future Work. it is non-exhaustive and will be updated with new developments.

The following statement can be attributed to Professor Andrew Scott, Convenor of The Australia Institute’s Nordic Policy Centre:

The International Trade Union Confederation has compiled a list of the countries which have responded best on behalf of working people to the Coronavirus pandemic which has gripped the globe. The governments of the countries which have made it onto this list have all acted to assure: paid sick leave; wage support; income support for freelance, self-employed and gig economy workers; and free healthcare.

Steel production is one of the most energy-intensive industries in the world.

Finland’s library system is second to none. Finnish libraries are an important part of civic culture, and are the second highest rated public service in the country after drinking water.[i]