Critical Line Item with Tom Ravlic

Equifax's Scott Mason looks at trends and numbers in terms of credit in the hospitality and retail sectors. He shares observations about where the economy is at and how these sectors are coping at the present time.

Australian voters will be in the midst of an election debate on cost of living and the economy. It isn't always clear to people what politicians are talking about because of the language that is used. The Australia Institute's Greg Jericho offers his perspective on where the Australian economy is at, how think differently about the cost of living debate, and the need for people at the RBA to be able to take criticism.

The Australian government has a Bill that attempts to get social media companies to better police misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms. It is a bill that has caused a fair degree of concern and Liberal National Party Senator Matt Canavan outlines some of the key provisions that concern him. He also touches on issues of free speech and whether a social media ban for people under the age of 16 makes any sense.

Want to understand a little of why things are at a flashpoint in the Middle East right now? An expert in radicalisation and extremism, Shane Healy, has an explainer for those unaware of aspects of history on why the Middle East is problematic and how radicalisation can be dealt with in Australia.

Senate estimates in the Australian Parliament is a critical forum during which elected representatives ask questions of ministers, department heads and other public servants to work out how prudently taxpayer funds are being spent. Coalition Senator Simon Birmingham give us a quick guide to Senate processes and also points to some of the ways in which Senators might get frustrated with attempts to keep some issues from the view of those that pay them to run the country.

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson is troubled by the decline in the quality of discourse in the public square and the impact that has on the way society evolves. He is involved in the Aliance of Responsible Citizenship, a forum that is designed to engage in debate on key issues in a way that explores and probes the consequences of ideas. Anderson also talks about the way in which legislators and public servants need to keep in mind when they are doing their work, and consulting with people outside the 'expertocracy' as he calls it.

Coalition Senator Jane Hume delivered a recent speech to the Syndey Institute that touched on a range of issues including the need for women to have a greater sense of financial security. It sparked a reaction from The Parenthood CEO, Georgie Dent, and Georgie laid down a challenge to Australia's politicians: fix early childhood education so it is more affordable and accessible people. She argues a range of benefits flow from getting this right.

The final report from the Colbeck committee has 12 recommendations that deal predominantly with cleaning up the mechanics of procurement. Senator Barbara Pocock might agree with the 12 recommendations as a starting base but she wants more to happen to deal with boosting the public sector, disciplining consultants, and dealing with some of the evidence the parliamentary committee heard that she feels needs action.