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Byline: Michael Keating ⸻ The hidden architecture of Canberra’s power At first glance, Canberra in the 1950s looked like a sparse, unfinished capital — more paddock than power centre. Yet behind the official façades of government departments and embassies, a very different city was taking shape — one defined not by institutions alone, but by dense, informal…

Fresh data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics offers a revealing look at the scale—and limits—of Australia’s domestic defence industry, just as Canberra embarks on its most ambitious military build-up in decades. The latest Australian Defence Industry Account (experimental estimates) shows a sector growing rapidly in jobs, output and strategic importance—but still modest in its…

A strategic pivot under pressure At a consequential address to the National Press Club of Australia, Acting Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles delivered a stark message: Australia is entering its most dangerous strategic environment since World War II—and the government is responding with the largest peacetime defence build-up in the nation’s history. The launch of the 2026…

Australia’s labour market has held its ground, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirming the unemployment rate remained at 4.3 per cent in March — unchanged from February and still within what economists consider a “tight” range. At face value, the numbers suggest resilience. Employment rose modestly over the month, with gains concentrated in full-time roles, reinforcing the narrative…

Australia’s defence leadership is undergoing a significant and historic transition, with a new generation of military chiefs stepping into command at a time of rising global instability and strategic pressure. In an announcement from Canberra, the Prime Minister confirmed sweeping changes across the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including the appointment of Vice Admiral Mark Hammond…

By John McDonnell on Sat, 21-12-2013 18:57 The role of the arts in economic development has been well recognised for more than 20 years. Noted economists like William Baumol and CD Throsby have pointed to its contribution to economic growth. More recently Canadian economist Richard Florida has captured significant attention through his notion of the Creative Class.…