Putting a dollar value on human lives to compare the costs and benefits of stay-at-home orders can have unintended consequences. These researchers found a different way.
There is a case to be made for a new Commonwealth agency to lead the recovery effort, built on the model of the Department of Post-War Reconstruction after the second world war.
While much attention was on the US this week, there was also an official acknowledgment that Australia is in recession, and a controversial HomeBuilder program to boost the economy.
There are already disturbing reports of racism against Asian Australians. History shows this will get worse in a recession, unless our political leaders step in.
The UK must look now to a package of long-term measures that includes investment in industry and public services, increased unemployment benefits and universal basic income.
Grattan institute estimates suggest that up to 26% of the workforce – 3.4 million Australians – are likely be thrown out of work as a direct result of the shutdown.