Energy
Economics & Deregulation / Energy
Energy is a vital area of the Australian economy, but it is constantly threatened by regulation and taxation. The Institute of Public Affairs examines the regulatory framework governing the energy sector and shows how deregulation can ensure that firms are given every opportunity to operate efficiently and that consumers receive the full benefits of a deregulated energy market. Environmental policies are also likely to challenge the vitality of this important sector.
The IPA also runs the Energy Forum, which brings together firms in the electricity and gas supply industry, all of which share a common view that privatisation and minimal levels of regulation will best serve the community. It provides a platform on which major industry leaders can test their views and subject them to informed criticism. Energy Forum papers are available here. For more information about the Energy Forum, please contact Alan Moran.
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News
Privatisation is not enough
State governments cannot seem to rein in spending so it matches their revenues. The upshot is skyrocketing debt levels. The NSW and Queensland...
States look beyond the power of one supplier
Fifteen years after Victoria privatised its electricity industry, New South Wales is dipping its toe into those same waters. But its focus is on...
Mining tax risks spooking investors
Minerals in the ground are not actually worth very much until somebody comes along, digs them up, cleans them up, and sells them on the market. It...
Heading backwards with power generation
Thirteen years ago the Kennett government's sale of Victoria's generators raised $10 billion (about $14 billion in today's money). Now, the NSW...
Lack of Global Agreement Offers a Chance to Cut Our Losses
Most politicians across the world recognise that measures to reduce CO2 emissions impose costs on their economies, whether they employ a carbon...
Rivalries keep the market buzzing
First Data, Finland's highly regarded retail energy markets authority, rates Victoria as the world's most competitive energy market. Victoria was...
Don't expect too much down Mexico way
It has been said that Copenhagen was all about attitudes and aspirations and the meeting this year in Mexico City will be about results. But...
Too much pain, too little to gain
The government says its emissions trading scheme tax will bring no risk to the economy. Indeed, Kevin Rudd constantly harps about savings of 15 per...
Carbon emissions tax will choke economy
Greenhouse issues are dominating the economic debate. Most people want to protect the environment and have been told that the tax from the...
Jobs, living standards run second to other goals
National governments protect their citizens' interests in many ways. They negotiate trade deals to get better overseas market access, raise loans...
