Freedom to Choose Conference a resounding success
On Friday 25th July Mannkal, in partnership with the University of Notre Dame, hosted the Freedom to Choose Conference. The theme of the conference was "the Australian Sonderweg", and used a multidisciplinary framework (history; politics; economics; and law) to discuss Australia's special path and collectivist approach. The keynote speaker was Professor Geoffrey Blainey. You can access an article on Professor Blainey's keynote address here > > >
View Mannkal's photo album for the event here > > >
Senator David Leyonhjelm: A voice for lower taxes and greater freedom
The new Australian senator called for the end of big government in his maiden speech in Parliament. The senator argued that government power should be limited to protecting people from things that limit their freedoms - such as violence, threats, theft and fraud. Read more here > > >
The Remarkable Ray Evans Craig Manners represented Mannkal at Ray Evans' funeral in Melbourne last month, reporting on how Ray contributed to free-thought in Australia. We are all grateful to Ray for his contributions to labor market reform and for being a sound voice of reason against climate alarmism. Read
more here > > >
Australian Government spending: What a circus! The Centre for Independent Studies identified big Government in Australia. How big you ask? Well, consider the
$455,000 for crab bridges on Christmas Island (yes, you read that correctly!), the
$70,000 on the Abbott government's infrastructure, and the
$45,000 on designer chairs for public servants... It adds up to a big bill for Australian taxpayers.
More here > > >Georgia (USA) follows Australia in confiscating citizen's money
More here > > >
Black-market business: the "venture capital" industry of the poor
Is Government regulation forcing the young and poor into black-market business? It would appear so. The cost of complying with Government regulation acts as a barrier for many entrepreneurs. The only choice left is to operate an informal cash-based business, or none at all. Black-market business is an interesting phenomenon because it shows dissent for Government regulation by undercapitalised entrepreneurs.
More here > > >
Are minimum wage laws harming the least advantaged?
Legislating increases in the minimum wage is often viewed in a fuzzy, feel-good light. Take for instance Obama's pitch to raise the minimum wage. However, this view fails to appreciate that legislating for minimum wage manipulates the demand curve for labor, having detrimental impacts on employment and business productivity.
More here > > >
How much damage can Environmentalists get away with?
How much damage will environmental campaigners be allowed to cause before they are sent to jail and fined into bankruptcy? The infamous case of Jonathon Moylan shows activists can illegally wipe $300 million from the market value of a business and escape jail time!
More here > > >
Australian Carbon Victory!
Prime Minister Tony Abbott kept a crucial election promise this month, with repeal of the highly scrutinised carbon tax. Australia is the world's first country to repeal legislation relating to carbon pricing. Read more about the momentous event here > > >
Climate Change? Don't forget - consensus isn't evidence
When we hear about climate change we are often told about the scientific consensus that the Earth is warming because of human activity. In this article, Viv Forbes reminds us that consensus isn't evidence. In the words of Forbes, "even if a million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing". So remember, look for solid evidence, not merely consensus!
More here > > >
The Pope: Not an economist
We all remember the highly publicised quote, stemming from Pope Francis' Twitter post, "inequality is the root of social evil". The Pope's attacks on capitalism are well known globally. This interesting article discusses the anti market economy statements made by Pope Francis, with reference to economic trends following the introduction of capitalism, proposing that the sooner the world's religions embrace capitalism the better.
More here > > >
Free markets under attack in NZ!
The Pope isn't the only person attacking the free market. In New Zealand discussion has centered around reforming the tax structure to increase taxes. What's the end goal you may ask? Well, increased government spending to address 'inequality' of course. This government interference is bound to have detrimental impacts. In the words of the author of the article, "the worst thing that governments can do is introduce policies that stifle growth, by crushing freedom and entrepreneurial aspiration".
More here > > >
