Alan Austin
@alanaustin.bsky.social
Australian journalist based in France
The disarray within the Coalition over climate, leadership and direction confirms time is up. They should now disband, like earlier extinct parties which once ran the country then ran out of steam.
But it is the economy, on which they long claimed superiority, where they have lost all credibility.
But it is the economy, on which they long claimed superiority, where they have lost all credibility.
Contrasting outcomes consign Coalition to the compost heap of history
Prices, jobs, growth and debt all confirm the Coalition parties have run out of puff.
independentaustralia.net
November 23, 2025 at 9:35 PM
The disarray within the Coalition over climate, leadership and direction confirms time is up. They should now disband, like earlier extinct parties which once ran the country then ran out of steam.
But it is the economy, on which they long claimed superiority, where they have lost all credibility.
But it is the economy, on which they long claimed superiority, where they have lost all credibility.
“This is by far the deepest and most destructive debt blow-out in any country during peacetime. Ever. Together with all the other negative outcomes, this qualifies Trump as the worst economic manager in the developed world today.”
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www.dailykos.com/stories/2025...
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www.dailykos.com/stories/2025...
Trump adds two trillion dollars to federal debt in ten months with nothing at all to show for it
FEDERAL U.S. DEBT JUST CLICKED OVER 38.21 TRILLION DOLLARS, bringing total borrowings in Trump’s second term to an appalling $2.06 trillion. Already. This is by far the deepest and most destructive de...
www.dailykos.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:24 PM
“This is by far the deepest and most destructive debt blow-out in any country during peacetime. Ever. Together with all the other negative outcomes, this qualifies Trump as the worst economic manager in the developed world today.”
Please read, like and share.
www.dailykos.com/stories/2025...
Please read, like and share.
www.dailykos.com/stories/2025...
"ABC News is now mimicking the Murdoch media in blatantly promoting the Coalition.
“In a shameful display of partisan politics, the ABC devoted almost an entire Insiders program to the Liberals and the Nationals – who will have no policy influence for at least a decade.”
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“In a shameful display of partisan politics, the ABC devoted almost an entire Insiders program to the Liberals and the Nationals – who will have no policy influence for at least a decade.”
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ABC News advances its alliance with Murdoch’s Sky News
Recent programs have confirmed ABC News is increasingly under the control of pro-Coalition activists.
independentaustralia.net
November 16, 2025 at 9:13 PM
"ABC News is now mimicking the Murdoch media in blatantly promoting the Coalition.
“In a shameful display of partisan politics, the ABC devoted almost an entire Insiders program to the Liberals and the Nationals – who will have no policy influence for at least a decade.”
Please read and share.
“In a shameful display of partisan politics, the ABC devoted almost an entire Insiders program to the Liberals and the Nationals – who will have no policy influence for at least a decade.”
Please read and share.
“Many Australians are still struggling, as Chalmers admits. But proportionally fewer than ever; and they are less destitute than 3 years ago. The middle are steadily gaining and the billionaires, while not enriched like in the US, will somehow struggle through.”
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Please read, like and share. Thanks.
Australia’s economy shines in a world of deepening gloom
The numbers confirm Australia’s economy is responding to global conditions better than most.
independentaustralia.net
November 9, 2025 at 9:30 PM
“Many Australians are still struggling, as Chalmers admits. But proportionally fewer than ever; and they are less destitute than 3 years ago. The middle are steadily gaining and the billionaires, while not enriched like in the US, will somehow struggle through.”
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Please read, like and share. Thanks.
“In 2024-25, the Tax Office launched 369 prosecutions, achieved 343 convictions and saw the courts impose $5.18 million in fines. That’s four times the numbers in the Coalition’s last year.”
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Hefty fines and stiff gaol sentences are not stopping the tax cheats
While the Australian Tax Office (ATO) and the courts are successfully prosecuting hundreds of tax dodgers, the cheats keep trying.
independentaustralia.net
November 2, 2025 at 10:26 PM
“In 2024-25, the Tax Office launched 369 prosecutions, achieved 343 convictions and saw the courts impose $5.18 million in fines. That’s four times the numbers in the Coalition’s last year.”
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Please read, like and share. Thanks.
Trump has just added one trillion dollars to the US debt in eight weeks, by far the worst peacetime debt blow-out anywhere. Now Congress refuses to monitor the White House, Trump has fired the inspectors, and the Courts have given Trump monarchic powers, restraints on fraud and theft are gone.
Australia thrives while USA struggles in challenging economic times
As alarms are sounding about national debt, Trump deepens U.S. debt by one trillion dollars in eight weeks.
independentaustralia.net
October 27, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Trump has just added one trillion dollars to the US debt in eight weeks, by far the worst peacetime debt blow-out anywhere. Now Congress refuses to monitor the White House, Trump has fired the inspectors, and the Courts have given Trump monarchic powers, restraints on fraud and theft are gone.
“Obviously, I’m not going to vote for a lying, criminal predator, especially in the name of Jesus, because obviously that’s sick, and offensive. You don’t vote for the criminal.”
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Please read, like and share. Thanks.
God's heavy hitters smack down Trump, ‘the lying, criminal predator’
Prominent American religious leaders are joining protests against the manifest evils of the Trump Administration.
independentaustralia.net
October 19, 2025 at 9:38 PM
“Obviously, I’m not going to vote for a lying, criminal predator, especially in the name of Jesus, because obviously that’s sick, and offensive. You don’t vote for the criminal.”
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Please read, like and share. Thanks.
Australia’s proudest period of good global citizenship was under Whitlam when 0.6% of GNI was allocated to overseas aid. It has been downhill from there.
The May Budget allocated $5,097 million, only a smidgeon above Julia Gillard’s last budget in 2012. This is 0.18% of GNI, the lowest ever.
The May Budget allocated $5,097 million, only a smidgeon above Julia Gillard’s last budget in 2012. This is 0.18% of GNI, the lowest ever.
Overseas aid at an all-time low and outrage is absent
Australia’s generosity to the world’s poor is no longer a newsworthy topic.
independentaustralia.net
October 12, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Australia’s proudest period of good global citizenship was under Whitlam when 0.6% of GNI was allocated to overseas aid. It has been downhill from there.
The May Budget allocated $5,097 million, only a smidgeon above Julia Gillard’s last budget in 2012. This is 0.18% of GNI, the lowest ever.
The May Budget allocated $5,097 million, only a smidgeon above Julia Gillard’s last budget in 2012. This is 0.18% of GNI, the lowest ever.
If the Coalition hadn't stacked on more than $600 billion in debt during its criminally incompetent regime, this year's budget would have been in surplus – for the 3rd straight year – and likely remained so henceforward.
The message is clear. Never let the Coalition anywhere near government again.
The message is clear. Never let the Coalition anywhere near government again.
If Australians want nice things, try shunning the destructive newsrooms
The latest economic update strongly endorses Labor and repudiates the media-backed Coalition.
independentaustralia.net
October 5, 2025 at 9:38 PM
If the Coalition hadn't stacked on more than $600 billion in debt during its criminally incompetent regime, this year's budget would have been in surplus – for the 3rd straight year – and likely remained so henceforward.
The message is clear. Never let the Coalition anywhere near government again.
The message is clear. Never let the Coalition anywhere near government again.
Confirmation Trump provokes violent attacks comes from the trial courts where defence attorneys have argued that defendants were following Trump’s orders. More than 235 criminal trials have heard this defence.
No trial court has found any other American political leader has inspired violent crime.
No trial court has found any other American political leader has inspired violent crime.
Australians much safer than Americans in an increasingly dangerous world
After decades of steady decline, violent crime worldwide is escalating.
independentaustralia.net
September 28, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Confirmation Trump provokes violent attacks comes from the trial courts where defence attorneys have argued that defendants were following Trump’s orders. More than 235 criminal trials have heard this defence.
No trial court has found any other American political leader has inspired violent crime.
No trial court has found any other American political leader has inspired violent crime.
Almost all US economic news is negative, despite Trump sacking the top statistician last month after data showed jobs lost in July.
This has cast doubt on all economic data, has reduced marginal investment in the US economy and kept interest charges higher.
This will likely make Americans poorer.
This has cast doubt on all economic data, has reduced marginal investment in the US economy and kept interest charges higher.
This will likely make Americans poorer.
Global economic times are tough — especially for the corrupt and inept
The latest data shows the U.S. economy is continuing to slide alarmingly.
independentaustralia.net
September 22, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Almost all US economic news is negative, despite Trump sacking the top statistician last month after data showed jobs lost in July.
This has cast doubt on all economic data, has reduced marginal investment in the US economy and kept interest charges higher.
This will likely make Americans poorer.
This has cast doubt on all economic data, has reduced marginal investment in the US economy and kept interest charges higher.
This will likely make Americans poorer.
Of the last 24 US political killers, none was a leftist.
One was a Black nationalist, 4 were registered Republicans, 15 were MAGA, 4 were far right extremists.
All were inspired by Donald Trump's 40+ overt calls for violence.
The critical step in ending this wanton bloodshed is his impeachment.
One was a Black nationalist, 4 were registered Republicans, 15 were MAGA, 4 were far right extremists.
All were inspired by Donald Trump's 40+ overt calls for violence.
The critical step in ending this wanton bloodshed is his impeachment.
The vector of political killings in the USA is still Donald Trump
Ideologically-motivated violence in the USA is overwhelmingly inspired by President Trump.
independentaustralia.net
September 14, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Of the last 24 US political killers, none was a leftist.
One was a Black nationalist, 4 were registered Republicans, 15 were MAGA, 4 were far right extremists.
All were inspired by Donald Trump's 40+ overt calls for violence.
The critical step in ending this wanton bloodshed is his impeachment.
One was a Black nationalist, 4 were registered Republicans, 15 were MAGA, 4 were far right extremists.
All were inspired by Donald Trump's 40+ overt calls for violence.
The critical step in ending this wanton bloodshed is his impeachment.
In a scathing opinion piece the CEO of ACOSS claimed that ‘one in eight of us still lives in poverty, including one in six children’, and that 'wealth inequality is worsening'. When we track the data underlying this condemnation of Labor in 2025, we find it was collected under the Coalition in 2019.
Data shows Albo reducing poverty while welfare sector insists he isn’t
Claims from Australia’s welfare peak body appear at odds with reality.
independentaustralia.net
September 7, 2025 at 11:44 PM
In a scathing opinion piece the CEO of ACOSS claimed that ‘one in eight of us still lives in poverty, including one in six children’, and that 'wealth inequality is worsening'. When we track the data underlying this condemnation of Labor in 2025, we find it was collected under the Coalition in 2019.
The Herald Sun ran a story showing the cost of living crisis is over – based on data from March, 2024.
This was not reported then because they were pushing the false crisis narrative before the 2025 election. Luckily this failed.
Now let’s see how long until the other loser media report the truth.
This was not reported then because they were pushing the false crisis narrative before the 2025 election. Luckily this failed.
Now let’s see how long until the other loser media report the truth.
Doomsayers proved wrong again as businesses expand and prosper
Official data on Australia’s economy continue to undermine the Albanese Government’s critics.
independentaustralia.net
August 31, 2025 at 10:25 PM
The Herald Sun ran a story showing the cost of living crisis is over – based on data from March, 2024.
This was not reported then because they were pushing the false crisis narrative before the 2025 election. Luckily this failed.
Now let’s see how long until the other loser media report the truth.
This was not reported then because they were pushing the false crisis narrative before the 2025 election. Luckily this failed.
Now let’s see how long until the other loser media report the truth.
Australian companies pay just 12% for social security/superannuation, compared with 20% - 45% in most of Western Europe. Australia also has dividend imputation and many other tax avoidance lurks.
There is no valid case for reducing the company tax rate from 30%.
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There is no valid case for reducing the company tax rate from 30%.
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Labor set to make the big reforms in its third term
Last week’s economic roundtable allows Treasurer Jim Chalmers to continue his incremental agenda now and radically transform the nation later.
independentaustralia.net
August 25, 2025 at 5:06 AM
Australian companies pay just 12% for social security/superannuation, compared with 20% - 45% in most of Western Europe. Australia also has dividend imputation and many other tax avoidance lurks.
There is no valid case for reducing the company tax rate from 30%.
Please read, like and share. Thanks.
There is no valid case for reducing the company tax rate from 30%.
Please read, like and share. Thanks.
Earlier this afternoon New York time, US federal government debt clicked over $37 trillion 208 billion. That is one trillion dollars higher than on inauguration day last January.
Trump has just added one trillion dollars to the debt. In seven months, with nothing to show for it.
Earlier this afternoon New York time, US federal government debt clicked over $37 trillion 208 billion for the first time. That is one trillion dollars higher than on inauguration day last January. Th...
www.dailykos.com
August 20, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Earlier this afternoon New York time, US federal government debt clicked over $37 trillion 208 billion. That is one trillion dollars higher than on inauguration day last January.
The irrational decisions of the corrupt and mentally deranged president are impacting erratically.
So far, Australia is winning. Trading partners now buying more from Australia include the USA, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkiye, the UK, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Peru, Vietnam, Portugal and Belgium.
So far, Australia is winning. Trading partners now buying more from Australia include the USA, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkiye, the UK, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Peru, Vietnam, Portugal and Belgium.
Tough economic times sort out the successful global traders
As the world deals with the turmoil of Trump’s erratic tariffs, the latest data shows Australia is among the winners on exports.
independentaustralia.net
August 18, 2025 at 12:17 AM
The irrational decisions of the corrupt and mentally deranged president are impacting erratically.
So far, Australia is winning. Trading partners now buying more from Australia include the USA, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkiye, the UK, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Peru, Vietnam, Portugal and Belgium.
So far, Australia is winning. Trading partners now buying more from Australia include the USA, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkiye, the UK, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Peru, Vietnam, Portugal and Belgium.
The brief period of artificial activity in early 2025 is over. Exports and imports tumbled in June, despite most tariffs not yet in place. The US economy lost 402,000 jobs.
Other worries include investment, interest rates, consumer spending, tourism, business losses and Trump's deficits and debt.
Other worries include investment, interest rates, consumer spending, tourism, business losses and Trump's deficits and debt.
After the Biden boom comes the Trump tragedy
The latest statistics confirm the U.S. economy is entering the rapid deterioration phase.
independentaustralia.net
August 10, 2025 at 10:39 PM
The brief period of artificial activity in early 2025 is over. Exports and imports tumbled in June, despite most tariffs not yet in place. The US economy lost 402,000 jobs.
Other worries include investment, interest rates, consumer spending, tourism, business losses and Trump's deficits and debt.
Other worries include investment, interest rates, consumer spending, tourism, business losses and Trump's deficits and debt.
“Inevitably, a dodgy numerator divided by a dubious denominator will yield an unreliable dividend. This is why the official ABS productivity number no longer works.
“A revised formula is essential. This will fix both econometric errors and media falsehoods.”
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“A revised formula is essential. This will fix both econometric errors and media falsehoods.”
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Australia’s excellent productivity masked by flawed statistics
Alan Austin has contributed to the Albanese Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable. This is the text, slightly edited and with extra graphs.
independentaustralia.net
August 3, 2025 at 10:28 PM
“Inevitably, a dodgy numerator divided by a dubious denominator will yield an unreliable dividend. This is why the official ABS productivity number no longer works.
“A revised formula is essential. This will fix both econometric errors and media falsehoods.”
Please read, like and share. Thanks.
“A revised formula is essential. This will fix both econometric errors and media falsehoods.”
Please read, like and share. Thanks.
“Of all economies transformed by progressive policies, Australia is Exhibit A.
“Every variable tumbled through the nine years of the conservative Coalition from 2013 to 2022.
"Since then, the advances under Labor have been impressive."
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“Every variable tumbled through the nine years of the conservative Coalition from 2013 to 2022.
"Since then, the advances under Labor have been impressive."
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Progressive political parties improve prosperity
Economic outcomes show reformist governments are managing current global conditions far better than conservatives.
independentaustralia.net
July 27, 2025 at 10:11 PM
“Of all economies transformed by progressive policies, Australia is Exhibit A.
“Every variable tumbled through the nine years of the conservative Coalition from 2013 to 2022.
"Since then, the advances under Labor have been impressive."
Please read, like and share. Thanks.
“Every variable tumbled through the nine years of the conservative Coalition from 2013 to 2022.
"Since then, the advances under Labor have been impressive."
Please read, like and share. Thanks.
“Some very stupid ‘journalists’ are accusing the PM of failing to meet the orange rapist in the White House.
“In fact, Albo is one of the smart leaders getting desired outcomes without a direct encounter.
“Australia is definitely winning with record exports.”
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“In fact, Albo is one of the smart leaders getting desired outcomes without a direct encounter.
“Australia is definitely winning with record exports.”
Please read, like and share. Thanks.
Dealing with the madman in the White House unites the world
The unhinged decisions by the increasingly irrational U.S. President are having surprising global consequences.
independentaustralia.net
July 13, 2025 at 10:17 PM
“Some very stupid ‘journalists’ are accusing the PM of failing to meet the orange rapist in the White House.
“In fact, Albo is one of the smart leaders getting desired outcomes without a direct encounter.
“Australia is definitely winning with record exports.”
Please read, like and share. Thanks.
“In fact, Albo is one of the smart leaders getting desired outcomes without a direct encounter.
“Australia is definitely winning with record exports.”
Please read, like and share. Thanks.
Denmark’s economy has surged from outside the top thirty a decade ago to world’s best today under the high tax policies of the Social Democrats.
How this has been achieved is quite remarkable.
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independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
How this has been achieved is quite remarkable.
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independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
Denmark’s economy leads the world as Australia advances and USA declines
The Independent Australia ranking on economic management (IAREM) for 2025 affirms progressive policies worldwide.
independentaustralia.net
July 6, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Denmark’s economy has surged from outside the top thirty a decade ago to world’s best today under the high tax policies of the Social Democrats.
How this has been achieved is quite remarkable.
Please read, like and share.
independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
How this has been achieved is quite remarkable.
Please read, like and share.
independentaustralia.net/politics/pol...
“The problem is not that Australians are now any less productive. Rather, the old formula no longer measures work output accurately.
“Substantial productive work has shifted into private homes since 2016, and particularly after Covid, where it is not so readily measured.”
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“Substantial productive work has shifted into private homes since 2016, and particularly after Covid, where it is not so readily measured.”
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Chalmers urged to solve a productivity problem that may not exist
Pundits berating the Labor Government over productivity are getting it all wrong.
independentaustralia.net
June 29, 2025 at 10:24 PM
“The problem is not that Australians are now any less productive. Rather, the old formula no longer measures work output accurately.
“Substantial productive work has shifted into private homes since 2016, and particularly after Covid, where it is not so readily measured.”
Please read, like & share.
“Substantial productive work has shifted into private homes since 2016, and particularly after Covid, where it is not so readily measured.”
Please read, like & share.
If Trump abandons AUKUS, which looks likely, Albo can grasp this as the chance to take a quantum leap forward.
Technologically advanced unmanned underwater vessels will lower costs and reduce risks to personnel. This may allow cuts to military spending overall.
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Technologically advanced unmanned underwater vessels will lower costs and reduce risks to personnel. This may allow cuts to military spending overall.
Please read, like and share. Thanks.
AUKUS collapse offers Australia the chance to navigate an innovative future
Donald Trump’s likely abandonment of the AUKUS contract offers the Albanese Government a welcome reprieve from a costly folly.
independentaustralia.net
June 22, 2025 at 10:47 PM
If Trump abandons AUKUS, which looks likely, Albo can grasp this as the chance to take a quantum leap forward.
Technologically advanced unmanned underwater vessels will lower costs and reduce risks to personnel. This may allow cuts to military spending overall.
Please read, like and share. Thanks.
Technologically advanced unmanned underwater vessels will lower costs and reduce risks to personnel. This may allow cuts to military spending overall.
Please read, like and share. Thanks.
Like many wannabe dictators, Donald Trump takes delight in ordering deaths. In his first term he executed more than 4 times the number of death row prisoners killed by former presidents in the previous 60 years.
He has already resumed killing death row inmates this term.
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He has already resumed killing death row inmates this term.
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Brutality and deaths surge again as Trump provokes racist hatred
Increasing fatalities confirm that the period of healing in the United States under President Joe Biden is over.
independentaustralia.net
June 15, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Like many wannabe dictators, Donald Trump takes delight in ordering deaths. In his first term he executed more than 4 times the number of death row prisoners killed by former presidents in the previous 60 years.
He has already resumed killing death row inmates this term.
Please read, like & share.
He has already resumed killing death row inmates this term.
Please read, like & share.