29 October 2025

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Home / Author: The Conversation

The Conversation

How would a switch to nuclear affect electricity prices?

The Coalition's plan to build seven nuclear power stations in 15 years faces scrutiny due to high costs and slow construction. And it is unlikely the investment would yield cheaper energy for Australian households and industry.

The Conversation
10 July 2024
42

Most aged care homes are falling short of minimum care standards

A new report on Australia’s aged care sector reveals many aged care residents are not receiving the levels of care they need and are entitled to despite taxpayers having paid millions of dollars to care providers.

The Conversation
3 July 2024
12

RBA signals the end of ultra-cheap money. Here’s what it will mean

The Melbourne Cup day RBA meeting confirms the cessation of the ‘yield control’ strategy that’s been in place since July. What might this signal for interest rates in the near term?

Isaac Gross, The Conversation
3 November 2021
9

A crisis of underinsurance threatens to scar rural Australia

Australia relies heavily on insurance for recovery from disasters, but underinsurance due to underestimating expenses is common. Read this and check your policy as costs blow out in a crisis.

The Conversation
8 January 2020
11

Young people, not employers, should choose super fund: Productivity Commission

The Productivity Commission report recommends young workers should be given a 'best in show' shortlist of super funds set by an independent process.

A fundamental flaw in the Australian retirement system?

The range in post-retirement standards of living is highly likely to be viewed as unacceptable by retirees who have been forced to defer part of their income to retirement savings. Here's a possible solution.

The Conversation
6 September 2013
1

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Latest Updates

A speech from the Prime Minister on fixing housing

“Fellow Australians, I want to address our most pressing national issue: housing. For too long, governments have tiptoed around problems from escalating prices, but for the sake of our younger generations, that stops today.”

James Gruber
22 October 2025
64

Taxation

Family trusts: Are they still worth it?

Family trusts remain a core structure for wealth management, but rising ATO scrutiny and complex compliance raise questions about their ongoing value. Are the benefits still worth the administrative burden?

Peter Bardos
22 October 2025
28

Exchange traded products

Multiple ways to win

Both active and passive investing can work, but active investment doesn’t in the way it is practised by many fund managers and passive investing doesn’t work in the way most end investors practise it. Here’s a better way.

Economy

The Future Fund may become a 'bad bank' for problem home loans

The Future Fund says it will not be paying defined benefit pensions until at least 2033 - raising as many questions as answers. This points to an increasingly uncertain future for Australia's sovereign wealth fund.

John Abernethy
22 October 2025
6

Investment strategies

Managed accounts and the future of portfolio construction

With $233 billion under management, managed accounts are evolving into diversified, transparent, and liquid investment frameworks. The rise of ETFs and private markets marks a shift in portfolio design and discipline.

Arian Neiron
22 October 2025
1

Property

Commercial property prospects are looking up

Commercial property is seeing the same supply issues as the residential market. Given the chronic undersupply and a recent pickup in demand, it bodes well for an upturn in commercial real estate prices.

James Gruber, Steve Bennett
22 October 2025
1

Infrastructure

Private toll roads need a shake-up

Privatised toll roads in Australia help governments avoid upfront costs but often push financial risks onto taxpayers while creating monopolies and unfair toll burdens for commuters and businesses.

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