Nicki Hutley Economics
@nickihutley.bsky.social
One of Australia's most respected economists, with a special interest in climate and environment (and an avid twitcher!)
I'm in Belém for #COP30, where tens of thousands of people are working together to progress #climate action across every possible domain, as we get closer to midnight on this existential crisis. Meanwhile in Australia, the Coaltion backpedals, because their only zero target is respect for science.🙄
November 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM
There's been a lot of talk in recent weeks about how to grow the economic pie. Very little has been said about how that pie is distributed, in a period of rising #inequality. For a wealthy country, we leave far too many behind. My latest piece.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
A new report highlights the staggering truth about wage inequality in Australia. Here’s what we need to do better | Nicki Hutley
This is a lucky country for many, with enviable living standards. But our wealth is not shared equally
www.theguardian.com
August 28, 2025 at 5:34 AM
There's been a lot of talk in recent weeks about how to grow the economic pie. Very little has been said about how that pie is distributed, in a period of rising #inequality. For a wealthy country, we leave far too many behind. My latest piece.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Big #policy reforms often come with costs to some that can't always be managed. Until we address the 'winners vs losers' mindset we risk more policy paralysis. My take on the #roundtable. Spoiler alert, #Abundance doesn't have all the answers!
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
It’s time Australia ditched the ‘winners and losers’ mentality and built an economy that’s good for us all | Nicki Hutley
When it comes to policy decisions, too many are too quick to focus on what’s in it for them, instead of what is best for society as a whole
www.theguardian.com
August 20, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Big #policy reforms often come with costs to some that can't always be managed. Until we address the 'winners vs losers' mindset we risk more policy paralysis. My take on the #roundtable. Spoiler alert, #Abundance doesn't have all the answers!
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Interest rate cuts are welcome but can't solve our economic malaise alone. But can households lift their heads from personal worries to support economy-wide change needed to deliver #productivity? My latest in the Guardian on this. #Ausecon #RBA
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
LinkedIn
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August 12, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Interest rate cuts are welcome but can't solve our economic malaise alone. But can households lift their heads from personal worries to support economy-wide change needed to deliver #productivity? My latest in the Guardian on this. #Ausecon #RBA
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Another call out to Dr Ken Henry's plea for #nature restoration and #climateaction. Especially vital now as the fed govt faces big decisions on #EPBC Act reform and our #NetZero 2035 targets, ahead of #COP30. I wrote on these issues in @australia.theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Protecting the environment has always made economic sense. Now we have proof | Nicki Hutley
The failures of our environmental protection laws mean we are not only failing nature but also undermining productivity – at a huge cost
www.theguardian.com
July 17, 2025 at 5:32 AM
Another call out to Dr Ken Henry's plea for #nature restoration and #climateaction. Especially vital now as the fed govt faces big decisions on #EPBC Act reform and our #NetZero 2035 targets, ahead of #COP30. I wrote on these issues in @australia.theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Watching Dr Ken Henry at the #NationalPressClub. This is the first time a fellow economist has brought me to tears. Such an impassioned speech for the #environment and need for #EPBC #reform Project by project assessment is "nuts". This is our "last best chance."
July 16, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Watching Dr Ken Henry at the #NationalPressClub. This is the first time a fellow economist has brought me to tears. Such an impassioned speech for the #environment and need for #EPBC #reform Project by project assessment is "nuts". This is our "last best chance."
Some thoughts on the #RBA rates decision yesterday. I wasn't so shocked by the call to hold, as by the reason for the decision
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The RBA’s decision to hold rates isn’t a calamity, but its shift in language is confounding – and worrying | Nicki Hutley
One minute we are told inflation is in the bag, seven weeks later we are worried that it’s not. This change in tone erodes trust
www.theguardian.com
July 9, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Some thoughts on the #RBA rates decision yesterday. I wasn't so shocked by the call to hold, as by the reason for the decision
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Australia's May #CPI has delivered an opportunity for the #RBA to cut rates again in July, with a well-below market forecast for both headline and underlying #inflation. But a cut next month shouldn't be seen as a fait accompli, given the volatility of monthly reads and labour market strength
June 25, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Australia's May #CPI has delivered an opportunity for the #RBA to cut rates again in July, with a well-below market forecast for both headline and underlying #inflation. But a cut next month shouldn't be seen as a fait accompli, given the volatility of monthly reads and labour market strength
Quote of the day:
“Too often, the loudest calls for economic reform in the abstract come from the noisiest opponents of actual reform in the specific.” Well said Jim Chalmers. #taxreform #auspol #ausecon
“Too often, the loudest calls for economic reform in the abstract come from the noisiest opponents of actual reform in the specific.” Well said Jim Chalmers. #taxreform #auspol #ausecon
June 18, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Quote of the day:
“Too often, the loudest calls for economic reform in the abstract come from the noisiest opponents of actual reform in the specific.” Well said Jim Chalmers. #taxreform #auspol #ausecon
“Too often, the loudest calls for economic reform in the abstract come from the noisiest opponents of actual reform in the specific.” Well said Jim Chalmers. #taxreform #auspol #ausecon
I'm coming to the conclusion that #humanity is reaching what I call 'peak stupid'. We seem hell-bent on destroying life on earth. And for what? My optimism levels are severely depleted today. Happy thoughts welcome!
June 17, 2025 at 10:55 PM
I'm coming to the conclusion that #humanity is reaching what I call 'peak stupid'. We seem hell-bent on destroying life on earth. And for what? My optimism levels are severely depleted today. Happy thoughts welcome!
I wish people would stop talking about "believing" in #climatechange. Do we suggest we "believe" in gravity? Science, people. Also, just take a look at the number and size of unnatural #disasters we are already experiencing. #ABCinsiders
June 1, 2025 at 2:26 AM
I wish people would stop talking about "believing" in #climatechange. Do we suggest we "believe" in gravity? Science, people. Also, just take a look at the number and size of unnatural #disasters we are already experiencing. #ABCinsiders
Excellent article on proposed #superannuation changes, covering all the key issues. In a nutshell, the superwealthy don't have a leg to stand on, but are still going to whine about paying their fair #tax share. Thanks, Mike Seccombe and @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
The attacks on Labor’s proposed superannuation tax reform have exposed inconsistencies in the progressive agendas of the independents. https://trib.al/xmdpqiS
trib.al
May 31, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Excellent article on proposed #superannuation changes, covering all the key issues. In a nutshell, the superwealthy don't have a leg to stand on, but are still going to whine about paying their fair #tax share. Thanks, Mike Seccombe and @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Drill, baby, drill. Albo repeats the Trump mantra as Watt drops a #carbon bomb twice the size of Coalition's #nuclear lunacy #climateemergency #gas #auspol #climatechange
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Labor approves extension of Woodside’s contentious North West Shelf gas development
Murray Watt will approve the extension of one of the world’s biggest liquified natural gas projects from 2030 to 2070
www.theguardian.com
May 28, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Drill, baby, drill. Albo repeats the Trump mantra as Watt drops a #carbon bomb twice the size of Coalition's #nuclear lunacy #climateemergency #gas #auspol #climatechange
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
This is from today's Fin Review. Not even pretending mega #super balances are anything other than a #tax shelter & nothing to do with retirement. But listen to vested interests whine at the idea the average Aussie taxpayer might stop funding these inequitable lurks. Makes my blood boil! #auspol
May 24, 2025 at 5:27 AM
#RBA tone with today's interest rate cut is decidedly more dovish than we've seen in a long time. "Uncertainty" appeared 8 times, & #growth, #employment & #inflation forecasts all lower in SoMP
May 20, 2025 at 4:45 AM
#RBA tone with today's interest rate cut is decidedly more dovish than we've seen in a long time. "Uncertainty" appeared 8 times, & #growth, #employment & #inflation forecasts all lower in SoMP
AEC calls it for @nicboele.bsky.social in Bradfield. The margin is just 40 votes, so will go to a full recount. But her Liberal opponent jumped the gun going to Canberra to vote for the new leader last week. Ooops #auspol
May 19, 2025 at 6:12 AM
AEC calls it for @nicboele.bsky.social in Bradfield. The margin is just 40 votes, so will go to a full recount. But her Liberal opponent jumped the gun going to Canberra to vote for the new leader last week. Ooops #auspol
Considered piece on #NetZero by Tony Wood.
4 key actions needed. Robust #Climate & #Industry policies, #energy market #infrastructure, and managing #gas demand & supply.
"This was never going to be cheap and easy, but it does not have to be too hard or too expensive."
www.afr.com/policy/energ...
4 key actions needed. Robust #Climate & #Industry policies, #energy market #infrastructure, and managing #gas demand & supply.
"This was never going to be cheap and easy, but it does not have to be too hard or too expensive."
www.afr.com/policy/energ...
Four critical energy and climate must-do’s in Labor’s second term
Tackling climate change and driving the energy transition may not have been top of mind for voters, but these issues will define how the government is judged in the decades ahead.
www.afr.com
May 12, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Considered piece on #NetZero by Tony Wood.
4 key actions needed. Robust #Climate & #Industry policies, #energy market #infrastructure, and managing #gas demand & supply.
"This was never going to be cheap and easy, but it does not have to be too hard or too expensive."
www.afr.com/policy/energ...
4 key actions needed. Robust #Climate & #Industry policies, #energy market #infrastructure, and managing #gas demand & supply.
"This was never going to be cheap and easy, but it does not have to be too hard or too expensive."
www.afr.com/policy/energ...
Tonight on SBS Insight (8.30), I join a group of experts and people who are living the trauma of #climate #disasters on #insurance affordability crisis. This follows the release of Climate Council's risk map tool and report. See how your own suburb fares www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/cl...
Climate Risk Map of Australia
An interactive tool that localises climate change impacts in Australia allowing you to find out the potential damage risk in your area.
www.climatecouncil.org.au
May 6, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Tonight on SBS Insight (8.30), I join a group of experts and people who are living the trauma of #climate #disasters on #insurance affordability crisis. This follows the release of Climate Council's risk map tool and report. See how your own suburb fares www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/cl...
Every Australian should understand what's happening in political funding. The right call out Climate200 funding of genuine Independents, which is actually crowd funding. We should be far more scared about groups like Atlas. #Auspol #Auspol25
'Have you noticed that things are getting a little Trumpian in Australia?'
Damon Gameau looks at Atlas and Advance #auspol
> youtu.be/ecqDvx9HMhs?...
Let's share this - a lot!!! 🙌 🙌
Damon Gameau looks at Atlas and Advance #auspol
> youtu.be/ecqDvx9HMhs?...
Let's share this - a lot!!! 🙌 🙌
What is the Atlas network?
YouTube video by Regenerators
youtu.be
April 30, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Is this what the world has come to?
What happened to a US government system of checks and balances?
What happened to a US government system of checks and balances?
Breaking news: The European Commission is issuing burner phones and basic laptops to some US-bound staff to avoid the risk of espionage — a measure traditionally reserved for trips to China www.ft.com/content/20d0...
April 14, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Is this what the world has come to?
What happened to a US government system of checks and balances?
What happened to a US government system of checks and balances?
Be careful what you wish for...I wonder which US tech bros are having (Trump) buyer's remorse
www.afr.com//technology/...
www.afr.com//technology/...
April 14, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Be careful what you wish for...I wonder which US tech bros are having (Trump) buyer's remorse
www.afr.com//technology/...
www.afr.com//technology/...
For those who like a podcast, courtesy of The Economy Stupid, with Peter martin, more on Trump #tariff fallout for Australia. Noting that it's a day by day (hour by hour) assessment!
www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
Has Trump put my financial future at risk? - ABC listen
Super falling. Mortgage stress rising. Retirement plans, once solid, now blurred by uncertainty. There is an anxiety currently shaking Australian financial confidence. We unpack what Trump's latest ta...
www.abc.net.au
April 11, 2025 at 3:52 AM
For those who like a podcast, courtesy of The Economy Stupid, with Peter martin, more on Trump #tariff fallout for Australia. Noting that it's a day by day (hour by hour) assessment!
www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
Skyrocketing uncertainty and plummeting confidence can have serious ramifications for the real #economy. My thoughts on the latest in the #tariff fiasco, in today's @australia.theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Australia is on an economic rollercoaster thanks to Donald Trump. What happens from here? | Nicki Hutley
I’ve seen my fair share of wild rides on the stock market. Nothing comes close to what we are witnessing today
www.theguardian.com
April 11, 2025 at 3:43 AM
Skyrocketing uncertainty and plummeting confidence can have serious ramifications for the real #economy. My thoughts on the latest in the #tariff fiasco, in today's @australia.theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
It's now a race to see whose US #economic forecasts can go the lowest. But pretty much consensus that China #tariff retaliation means a #recession. Stand by for IMF's global update later this month. Great job, Mr President. 😡
April 6, 2025 at 10:35 PM
It's now a race to see whose US #economic forecasts can go the lowest. But pretty much consensus that China #tariff retaliation means a #recession. Stand by for IMF's global update later this month. Great job, Mr President. 😡