The Australian Economy on the Hinge of History

The article traces the origins of the Australian economic crisis of the 1980s, and suggests that many problems can be related to the special character of the country's long-term economic development. The dominance of two exceptional commodities, wool and gold, created a remarkably high standard of living in the nineteenth century. But there were dangers. High labour productivity was achieved without the underpinnings of modem technology, and it was difficult to achieve sustained industrialisation from a high income base in a small, open society. Further, the efficiency of traditional commodity production helped create an inward-looking urban-industrial sector. Gradually fundamental change in the composition of global trade has marginalised Australia's traditional export sector. The urgent need now is for an aggressive exploitation of the country's considerable resources in science and technology. If this is achieved the 1980s could see a basic shift in Australia's economic history. Copyright 1987 The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research.

The Financial Sector and Deregulation in Australia: Drivers of Reform or Reluctant Followers?

This paper argues that contrary to capture theory, a key feature of financial deregulation in Australia was the lack of support from financial sector interest groups. An examination of the Campbell Inquiry (1979-1981) reveals that deregulation was not initiated by either the regulated banks or unregulated non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs). In fact, both groups were resistant to change prior to the establishment of the Inquiry. During the Inquiry, neither group advocated wide-ranging deregulation, preferring the retention of many financial regulations.Financial deregulation, banks, non-bank financial institutions, Campbell Inquiry,