Tax and Wellbeing: The impact of taxation on economic wellbeing
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.
Read moreParticipating in growth: Free childcare and increased participation
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.
Read moreDenmark bars tax haven companies from Covid-19 financial aid
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.
Read morePrison during covid-19: Nordic approaches
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.
Read moreCatalogue of Nordic economic responses 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.
COVID-19 Economic Response: Nordic Nations among Global Leaders as Australia Lags
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.
Read moreFossil fuel free steel: No longer a pipe dream in Sweden
Steel production is one of the most energy-intensive industries in the world.
Read moreGeelong’s Industrial Transition: Cars to Wind Turbines
New research presented in Geelong today looks at how Denmark leads the way in industrial transition and opportunities for Australia.
Danish wind energy company Vestas is operating at the old Ford car factory site in Geelong, Victoria. This represents not just a change of industry but an opportunity to improve the way Australian regions manage industrial transition.
Read moreThe fathers’ quota in Iceland for 19 years: Impact on work and care
This briefing note was presented at The Australia Institute Nordic Policy Centre roundtable on Paid Parental Leave, 26 August 2019, and covers the impact of the Fathers' quote of paid parental leave in Iceland over the past 19 years.
The Briefing note, by Icelandic academic, Ásdís Aðalbjörg Arnalds, in cooperation with Professor Guðný Björk Eydal and Associate Professor Ingólfur V. Gíslason, can be found here.