Assignment 1 Report on

the Australian Economy

(25555) Macroeconomics: Theory
and Applications

Karli-Jane Bergamin 10682336

Alessandra Lambides 10779559
Johanan Ottensooser 10873305
Shaambavi Sivasubramanian 10856817

8th September 2010

Word Count: 2653 including internal referencing

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) 1

Ottensooser10873305, Sivasubramanian 10856817, Bergamin 10682336, Lambides 19779559
 MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555)

ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET

2010- Autumn
Assignment (30%)

TUTOR'S NAME: Alexander Calvo TUTORIAL DAY: Wednesday

TUTORIAL TIME : 4:00pm

Family Name First Name Student Contribution Signature*

Number

1. Bergamin Karli-Jane 10682336 25%

2. Lambides Alessandra 10779559 25%

3. Ottensooser Johanan 10873305 25%

4. Sivasubramanian Shaambavi 10856817 25%

100 %

*By signing your name, you agree that you have read, understood and followed the advice in
the subject guide concerning cheating and plagiarism.

Follow the submission instructions closely & carefully :

Complete this coversheet correctly and submit to your tutor in your class.
Follow the assignment criteria
Conduct a self-assessment on the hardcopy before submitting
Keep a copy of your assignment

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) 2

Ottensooser10873305, Sivasubramanian 10856817, Bergamin 10682336, Lambides 19779559
Group Report Assignment
25555 Macroeconomic Theory and Applications

Contents
1 Executive Summary............................................................................................................... 4
2 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 5
3 Australias current economic situation ................................................................................. 6
4 Fiscal Policy ......................................................................................................................... 10
5 Monetary Policy .................................................................................................................. 12
6 The RBAs August decision .................................................................................................. 14
7 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 17
8 Bibliography ........................................................................................................................ 18
9 Turnitin Report
10 Marking Rubric

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) 3

Ottensooser10873305, Sivasubramanian 10856817, Bergamin 10682336, Lambides 19779559
1 Executive Summary
This essay will evaluate the RBAs decision not to change interest rates at the August 10
monetary policy meeting. This analysis was made by exploring the Australian economic
climate, analysing the current macroeconomic mix and by applying these to the RBAs
monetary policy goals. In light of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), Australia has performed
comparably well. Current GDP growth rate to this quarter is 3.2%, whereas as most other
OECD economies have recorded negative growth, the US recording negative growth of -2.4%.
Fiscal and Monetary policy have created and developed a positive economic climate by
targeting any symptoms of a pervading recession through copious government spending and
loosening monetary policy. In spite of its apparent stability, Australias economy is still
fragile. Interest rates have been held at 4.5% for the past three months to maintain this
delicate balance. A further reduction in interest rates may have increased growth at the cost
of increasing inflationary pressures. An increase in interest rates may have dampened
consumer confidence too soon. Thus, the RBAs decision to maintain interest rates is in line
with its goal of maximizing non-inflationary growth.

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) 4

Ottensooser10873305, Sivasubramanian 10856817, Bergamin 10682336, Lambides 19779559
2 Introduction
A countrys economic situation is determined by both factors out of the control of its
governing body and factors implemented directly through macroeconomic policy. This report
aims to describe Australias current economic landscape and outline the Macroeconomic
policies its governing bodies have implemented to try and maintain a level of sustainable
growth. It then strives to analyse the reasoning behind the Reserve Bank Australias (RBA)
choice to maintain the current cash rate at 4.5% this month. This report seeks to illustrate the
current relative stability of the Australian economy as driving the current macroeconomic
stance, a combination of a mildly contractionary fiscal and neutral monetary stance. The
paper proposes to analyse the RBAs decision to take a cautious monetary stance benefit to
the Australian economy in light of its slow recovery post the economic crisis and the potential
inflationary pressures a fall in interest rates could cause.

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) 5

Ottensooser10873305, Sivasubramanian 10856817, Bergamin 10682336, Lambides 19779559
3 Australias current economic situation
Australias economic condition is arguably one of stability and economic recovery. Despite
global economic uncertainty, Wayne Swan states that the Australian economy remains in a
strong position with a positive economic future (Australian Government, 2010).

Australia is recording a 3.2% annual growth rate in GDP to this quarter1 (The Australian
Bureau of Statistics, 2010). This is equal to the 30 year average growth rate and above the
2009 forward estimate to for this year (see Figure 1: Real GDP Growth) (Australian
Government, 2010).

Figure 1: Real GDP Growth

Australias GDP is predicted to increase to 3.75% to 4% during the 2011-2012 financial year,
though may be an unreasonably high GDP prediction, given the fragility of the recovery
(Reserve Bank of Australia, 2010; Brinsden, 2010).

3.1 External comparison

Australia has maintained continuously impressive GDP growth relative to other comparable
countries since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) began in 2007. Australia managed not to fall
into a technical recession2, achieving 1% positive growth in the 2008-2009 financial year
where much of the OECD was in recession.

1
To second quarter 2010.
2
Two quarters of simultaneous negative GDP growth.

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) 6

Ottensooser10873305, Sivasubramanian 10856817, Bergamin 10682336, Lambides 19779559
Figure 2 (Australian Government, 2010; Reserve Bank of Australia, 2010; Bureau of Economic
Analysis, 2010) highlights Australias relative economic success.

Figure 2: International GDP Growth

3.2 Australias economy by components of GDP

GDP is the aggregate final domestic production of goods and services. It consists of
consumption (C), investment (I), net government fiscal activity (G) and net exports (X-Q), as
delineated by the following equation:

Equation 1: GDP

Any accurate description of Australias current economic situation must factor in changes in
the components of GDP.

3.2.1 Consumption
Consumption is a major indicator of a countrys economic situation. Australias retail
spending increased in June to reach an overall 0.8% increase in volume over the June quarter
(The Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010). This marks a trend of modestly increasing
confidence in Australia, with both business and consumer confidence greater than the long-
run average.

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) 7

Ottensooser10873305, Sivasubramanian 10856817, Bergamin 10682336, Lambides 19779559
However, as a result of the recent economic crisis, Australian consumers are now generally
more conservative (Gruen, 2010). This is marked through an increased household savings
rate, up 1.3% in May 2010 (Reserve Bank of Australia, 2010).

This consumption growth contributes more than 1.5% of Australias GDP growth (Reserve
Bank of Australia, 2010).

3.2.2 Investment
There has been growth in net investment, driven by mining. There was an expectation that
the mining tax would reduce investment from overseas, but investment in the mining industry
rose by 29% in the June quarter, as compared to the same quarter last year, and almost 50%
above expectations (Pascoe, 2010).

Furthermore, there has been recorded a mildly optimistic investment outlook (Pascoe, 2010).

3.2.3 Net Government Expenditure

Government expenditure rose dramatically in response to the GFC, but is slowing due to fears
of overstimulating the economy, crowding out private investment and placing too great a
debt burden on Australia. For more, see section 4, below.

3.2.4 Net Exports

Net exports have positively affected the GDP, with the current account deficit falling from 16
billion in the first quarter of the year to less than 6 billion currently (Helyar, 2010). Australia is
now running a trade surplus (which is not common for Australia) that has added .4% to the
June quarters GDP growth (Stutchbury, 2010). This has largely been caused by increased
Southeast Asian demand for Australian mineral exports. Export quantities are set to
dramatically increase next year due to capital investment easing capacity constraints on
Australias mining industry.

3.3 Unemployment rate

Australias unemployment rate increased in response to the GFC in 2009, peaking above 6%.
Since then, it has begun to fall and was at 5.1% in June (Minutes of Monetary Policy, August
2010). There is some evidence that shows that some of this decrease in unemployment rate is
due to a decreasing participation rate, which fell to approximately 65%, due to hysteresis and
discouragement of the long term unemployed in the labour force (Reserve Bank of Australia,

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) 8

Ottensooser10873305, Sivasubramanian 10856817, Bergamin 10682336, Lambides 19779559
2010). Overall, Australias unemployment rate is much lower than most OECD countries, with
the US at 9.5% (United States Bureau of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010). This bodes
well for the Australian economy.

3.4 Inflation
Australia underlying inflation rate is currently at 2.75% (Minutes of Monetary Policy, August
2010), which is the first time in nearly three years it has been under 3%. Australias headline
Consumer Price Index was at 3.1%. The upwards pressure on inflation can be explained by
the GDI outpacing the GDP due to increased Asian demand (primarily from India and China)
for Australian minerals. This has been offset by passive consumer demand in recent times,
lower wage growth in 2009, the appreciation of the Australian dollar, retail price discounting
as well as a decline in domestic holiday accommodation pricing and little increase in utility
prices in the last quarter.

3.5 External Stability

Whilst Australias net exports are growing fast, Australia still has a problem with external
stability: a rising Australian dollar is decreasing the international competitiveness of
Australian exports and foreign debt servicing counterbalances Australias positive net exports
to bring Australia into a growing current account deficit. Whilst the Australian dollar has not
yet dampened demand for Australian primary exports, there has been increased outsourcing
of secondary and tertiary production due to their relative cheapness. Whilst Australias
current account deficits, and the level of private foreign debt, are high, investors remain calm,
since the CAD is decreasing at record rates (Martin, 2010).

The RBA continues to stress that external global uncertainty, especially from Europe, remains
an issue. Further, Australias reliance on Asian growth and demand (see Figure 2:
International GDP Growth, above) for mining exports are making Australias economic future
fragile (Reserve Bank of Australia, 2010).

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) 9

Ottensooser10873305, Sivasubramanian 10856817, Bergamin 10682336, Lambides 19779559
4 Fiscal Policy
Since the late 2008, the approaches taken by our central macroeconomic bodies have been
directed by increased volatility of world markets due to the GFC, a world recession due to the
shortfall of liquidity of investment banks in the United States. As a result, macroeconomic
policies have been implemented with a view to negative the GFCs effect on the Australian
economy whilst still providing for adequate exit strategies can be executed once stability
returns.

Fiscal Policy is the mechanism by which government alters their spending, either in the form
of government investment (G) and/or transfer payments (TR), or their collections through the
taxation rate (t) to reduce fluctuation in the business cycle and lessen the output gap.

4.1 Discretionary Fiscal Policy

Australias current fiscal stance is mildly contractionary with a Budget Deficit of 40.8bil (2.9%
of GDP) for 2010-11 compared to 2008-09 deficit of 57.1bil (4.4% of GDP) (James & Sebastian,
2010). For the past two years, however, the Australian Government has been applying
expansionary fiscal policy through a $42bil Stimulus Package to ward off recession symptoms
due to the GFC (Parliament of Australia, 2010). This stimulus comprised of Government
Investment expenditure and Transfer Payments to influence the level of aggregate-demand
and output, thereby increasing equilibrium income and GDP.

The equilibrium position of the economy lies where AD=Y; as illustrated by Eq1.

Eq1

Discretionary strategies outlined by the Stimulus Package include government investment

expenditure on large-scale infrastructure projects and microeconomic reform initiatives.
$14.7billion was spent on school halls extensions, $10.5billion for residential building
projects and ceiling insulation for homes, and $890million for road constructions (Gittins,
2009). This has resulted in job-creation, increased activity in the construction sector and
will continue to improve AD in the medium term. $2.7billion has been spent on business
tax-breaks encouraged risk-averse businesses to continue their activities (Gittins, 2009).

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) 10

Ottensooser10873305, Sivasubramanian 10856817, Bergamin 10682336, Lambides 19779559
This is in accordance to the simple Keynesian model; output (Y) rises proportionately to the
change in G as a product of the government expenditure multiplier3.

The government plans to return the budget to surplus by 2012-13 a few strategies are being
put in place to slowly withdraw the expenditure. This includes confining annual real growth
to 2% until the budget surplus reaches 1% of GDP (Parliament of Australia, 2010) by limiting
expenditure, and increasing revenues through Super Profits Tax (12billion in tax revenue in
four years) and higher excise on alcohol and cigarettes (Swan & Rudd, 2010).

The Stimulus Package also includes $12.7billion in TR, a one off tax free cash-handouts of up
$950 to income earners, single income two-parent families earning up to $150,000, families
with schoolchildren, students and apprentices, and drought affected famers (Gittins, 2009).
The initiative encouraged individuals to spend money (increase consumption) thereby
providing an immediate stimulus to the economy. These results correspond to the
theoretical notion (Eq1), that an increase in TR will directly affect the consumption function
(Eq2) hence resulting in an increase in AD.

Eq2

4.2 Non-Discretionary Fiscal Policy

Other, non-discretionary fiscal outcomes include the effect of automatic stabilisers. As less
tax receipts are received by the Government during periods of lower output, leakage caused
by income circulation reduces i.e. when Y decreases, tY falls. Hence consumption inevitably
rises (Eq2) and so do outputs (Eq1). During periods of economic recession, uncertain
employment prospects and inconsistent income-flow result in rises in welfare benefit
payments.

*
dY 1
3
i.e. the change in government expenditure effects a change in equilibrium income on a
dG 1 c(1 t )
greater than 1:1 basis because of its further effect on reducing taxes and increasing consumption.

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) p11

10873305, 10856817, 10682336
Ottensooser, Sivasubramanian, Bergamin, Lambides
5 Monetary Policy

5.1 Current Monetary Policy Stance

Monetary Policy is the instrument used by the Reserve Bank (of Australia) to influence
inflation and output. Prior to the GFC, the main function of the monetary policy was to
manage economic growth and maintaining target inflation of 2-3% by subtly raising interest
rates to slow the economy or lower rates as a stimulus. Since 2007, monetary policy has
been somewhat contractionary, but has now plateaued at 4.25% (ABC News, 2010).

5.2 Monetary Policy in Relation to the GFC

The Reserve Bank of Australia loosened monetary policy over the last year or so in attempt
to rectify the loss of consumer and business confidence caused by the GFC. This was
achieved by reducing interest rates and increasing the money supply in the economy
thereby increasing consumption by individuals, business investments and hence output .

The RBAs cutting of the cash rate was gradual; an over 4% drop was made within 6 months
(Fig3). The cash rate of 7.25% held from Mar-Aug 08 down to a 49-year low (AAP News,
2009) of 3% by April 2009. This interest rate was held for a 5 month period, only rising
slightly to 3.25% in Oct 09 (ABC News, 2010)

5.3 Effect of Macroeconomic Policy

The policies and strategies imposed by the RBA and Australian Government have been
successful in combating the GFC preventing recession and leading to our apparent recovery.
This is illustrated through Australias current economic environment (see section 3), which is
characterised by increases in levels of consumption, investment, and reductions in
unemployment which have reflected favourable on AD and the national output.

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) p12

10873305, 10856817, 10682336
Ottensooser, Sivasubramanian, Bergamin, Lambides
 Figure 3 CPI

The overall effect of expansionary fiscal and monetary policy has resulted in a GDP growth
rate of 0.9% in Dec09 quarter from -0.8% in Dec08 (ABC News, 2010). According to Treasury
Reports, without the stimulus the economy would have contracted at a rate 0.7% (Gittins,
2010).

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) p13

10873305, 10856817, 10682336
Ottensooser, Sivasubramanian, Bergamin, Lambides
6 The RBAs August decision
The RBA must use monetary policy to address the following considerations:

Limiting consumer price inflation [to] between 2-3%; the stability of the Australian currency;
the maintenance of full employment within Australia; and the economic prosperity and
welfare of the Australian people - (Reserve Bank of Australia, 2007; Reserve Bank Act ,
1959)

The primary goal of monetary policy, since 1993, is to maintain stable price levels (Reserve
Bank of Australia, 2007). This must be balanced against the goal of economic prosperity
and full employment. Together, these goals have been interpreted as maximising
sustainable economic growth, with the requirement for sustainability encompassing
consumer price inflation.

As such, all monetary policy decisions, including the August 2010 decision not to raise
interest rates above 4.5%, must have been made in light of the above considerations in
order to be valid.

6.1 Sustainable Economic Growth

Section 3.2, above, discussed the relative strength of Australias GDP growth, as shored up
by mining exports, investment, increasingly positive consumer sentiments and government
expenditure (see section 4, above). As such, and in consideration of the predicted high rates
of growth for the next few years, the reserve bank does not really have to use monetary
policy as an expansionary economic tool.

Reducing interest rates would act strongest on consumption spending (due to reduced
mortgage costs increasing disposable income). Consumption is already on a steep rise, with
increased consumer sentiment said to translate into even higher consumption in the next
year or so. Consumer spending has increased by 0.7% and household spending by 1.1% in
the Dec 09 quarter since the recession. As such, this would be over-stimulating the
consumption component of the GDP, potentially creating inflationary pressures.

Consumption spending has experienced a modest increase, despite a higher level of

household savings and low credit growth. Most economists expect that domestic demand

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) p14

10873305, 10856817, 10682336
Ottensooser, Sivasubramanian, Bergamin, Lambides
will increase over the next twelve months, but given the current cautious sentiment,
keeping interest rates on hold may encourage positive inter-temporal substitution.
Similarly, the current monetary stance coupled with the stabilization of business credit
should encourage investment and development in line with the expected increase in
demand. The labour market has picked up, with unemployment falling to 5.1% in June and
average work hours have increased, although levels are still far from those reached in 2008.

Further, a decrease in the interest rates would also reduce Australias interest rate
differential, potentially reducing foreign investment in Australia by reducing the risk-free
level of growth.

Underlying inflation had continued to fall to 2.75% below 3% for the first time in three
years, and is now within the RBAs target band. The CPI is at 3.1%, which is partly due to the
increases in tobacco taxes earlier this year and maintenance price of utilities. This rate is
expected to remain steady over the next twelve months while underlying inflation is
expected to increase to 3% due to supply constraints being reached with the expansion of
the resources sector. Due to these inflationary pressures reducing the RBAs cash rate
would not have been a logical choice.

Despite the Banks expectations for global growth to be about trend for the coming year,
expansion has been uneven. Most advanced economies have experienced moderate rates
of growth, and key economic indicators suggest that China is shifting to a more sustainable
rate of development. However the overall strong growth in Asia and Latin America has led
to an increase in the price of Australia's two largest exports, iron ore and coal. As a result,
terms of trade have again risen to the historically high levels experienced in 2008 and
economists expect this to be sustained over the next few years.

6.2 Maximum Employment

Unemployment, though reducing from its all-time high of 5.8% (The Australian Bureau of
Statistics, 2010) October 09 to 5.1% in June 10 (The Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010), is
slowly recovering (with approximately 200,000 jobs being added to the workforce in since

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) p15

10873305, 10856817, 10682336
Ottensooser, Sivasubramanian, Bergamin, Lambides
last August). This may be explained by the hysteresis4 brought about by the pro-cyclical
nature of output and participation rate, and labour productivity keeping the unemployment
rate up in spite of the increase in income.

Whilst reducing the interest rate might increase employment, the unemployment rate is low
enough, and close enough to the natural rate of unemployment, that targeting this with
monetary policy would have diminished returns, and would directly increase inflationary
pressures.

6.3 External Stability

External stability is a secondary goal of the RBAs monetary policy. Australias relatively
sound external stability (excluding her massive private international debt): a high Australian
dollar, increasing terms of trade and growing net exports (see s3.3.3 above) would be
inappropriately targeted by monetary policy.

The goals of monetary policy are clearly delineated. There is high, almost peak non-
inflationary growth, the unemployment rate is falling as the participation rate is increasing
and Australia is enjoying record external stability. As such, the RBAs decision to keep cash-
rates as-is is sound, protecting current growth without adding inflationary pressure.

4
Hysteris is cyclical unemployment becoming long-term unemployment or a reduction of the participation rate
via deskilling or workers no longer willing and actively seeking employment.

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) p16

10873305, 10856817, 10682336
Ottensooser, Sivasubramanian, Bergamin, Lambides
7 Conclusion

Evidently, there are a multitude of factors that determine Australias current relative
economic stability. This report primarily identified that Australia was able to avoid being
unduly affected by the global economic recession due to its government expenditure
bolstering consumption, and a healthy export sector bolstered by increasing commodity
prices. These factors have led to Australias economic resurgence leaving Australia in a good
position to lead the global economic recovery. This report stresses a neutral monetary
stance will benefit the Australian economy as increasing the cash rate may simmer
Australias feel consumption demand whilst a reduction in the cash rate could see the
reappearance of inflationary pressures. Maintaining the cash rate served the RBAs goals,
and are, thus, a reasonable response to the economic climate.

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) p17

10873305, 10856817, 10682336
Ottensooser, Sivasubramanian, Bergamin, Lambides
8 Bibliography
AAP News. (2009, September 14). GFC and policy response as unusual as the crisis itself.
Retrieved August 27, 2010, from Industry Search News:
http://www.industrysearch.com.au/News/GFC-and-policy-response-as-unusual-as-the-
crisis-itself-40928

ABC News. (2010). Global Financial Crisis Coverage. Retrieved August 29, 2010, from
http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/global-financial-crisis/

Australian Government. (2010, June 1). Economic Statement. Retrieved September 4, 2010,
from budget.gov.au: http://www.budget.gov.au/2010-
11/content/economic_statement/html/index.htm

Brinsden, C. (2010, August 31). SMH - Business Day. Retrieved September 3, 2010, from
Swan upbeat on Australian economy: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-
business/swan-upbeat-on-australian-economy-20100831-14avc.html

Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2010, August 27). National Income and Product Accounts
Gross Domestic Product, 2nd Quarter 2010 ... Retrieved September 3, 2010, from Bureau of
Economic Analysis - National Economic Accounts:
http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/gdp/gdpnewsrelease.htm

Central Intelligence Agency. (2009). The World Factbook. Retrieved September 2, 2010, from
Field Listing: GDP: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-
factbook/fields/2195.html

Gittins, R. (2010). Cash splash tap is turning off. Sydney Morning Herald .

Gittins, R. (2009). It may be costly, but it will work. Sydney Morning Herald .

Gruen, D. D. (2010, February 19). The economic outlook and challenges for the Australian
economy - Address to the American Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved September 3, 2010,
from Australian Government - The Treasury:
http://www.treasury.gov.au/documents/1783/HTML/docshell.asp?URL=02_Gruen_Speech.
htm

Helyar, S. (2010, September 3). SMH - National Times. Retrieved September 3, 2010, from
All Australians deserve a dividend from good economic times:
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/all-australians-deserve-a-dividend-
from-good-economic-times-20100902-14rjr.html

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) p18

10873305, 10856817, 10682336
Ottensooser, Sivasubramanian, Bergamin, Lambides
James, C., & Sebastian, S. (2010, May 11). Economic Insights Australias Budget 2010/11.
Retrieved September 4, 2010, from Commsec Economics:
http://images.comsec.com.au/ipo/UploadedImages/budget101aa3c77dac76401fa4dc488e7
c778b6c.pdf

Martin, P. (2010, September 1). SMH - Federal Election. Retrieved September 2, 2010, from
Current account deficit shrinks: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-election/current-account-
deficit-shrinks-20100831-14fko.html

Parliament of Australia. (2010, May 11). Budget at a Glance 2010-11. Retrieved September
4, 2010, from http://www.aph.gov.au/budget/2010-
11/content/at_a_glance/download/Budget_at_a_Glance_2010_11.pdf

Pascoe, M. (2010, August 26). SMH - Business Day. Retrieved September 1, 2010, from
Forget the tax, mining investment powers on: http://www.smh.com.au/business/forget-the-
tax-mining-investment-powers-on-20100826-13t8y.html

Reserve Bank Act . (1959).

Reserve Bank of Australia. (2010, June 27). Chart Pack - Output Expenditure Activity Fincon.
Retrieved September 3, 2010, from Reserve Bank of Australi: http://www.rba.gov.au/chart-
pack/output-expenditure-activity-fincon.pdf

Reserve Bank of Australia. (2010, July 7). Chart Pack. Retrieved September 1, 2010, from
Labour Market Developments: http://www.rba.gov.au/chart-pack/labour-market-
developments.pdf

Reserve Bank of Australia. (2010, July 29). Chart-Pack, Interest Rates Australia. Retrieved
September 3, 2010, from Reserve Bank of Australia: http://www.rba.gov.au/chart-
pack/interest-rates-australia.pdf

Reserve Bank of Australia. (2010, August 3). Minutes of the Monetary Policy Meeting of the
Reserve Bank Board. Retrieved Sepember 1, 2010, from Reserve Bank of Asutrali:
http://www.rba.gov.au/monetary-policy/rba-board-minutes/2010/03082010.html

Reserve Bank of Australia. (2007). Reserva Bank of Australia. Retrieved September 4, 2010,
from About Monetary Policy: http://www.rba.gov.au/monetary-
policy/about.html#objectives

Reserve Bank of Australia. (2010, August). Statement on Monetary Policy - August 2010.
Retrieved September 1, 2010, from RBA:
http://www.rba.gov.au/publications/smp/2010/aug/pdf/0810.pdf

Stutchbury, M. (2010, September 2). The Australian - Business With the Wall St Journal.
Retrieved September 3, 2010, from Export prices add value to strong GDP growth:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/opinion/export-prices-add-value-to-strong-gdp-
growth/story-e6frg9p6-1225913019338

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) p19

10873305, 10856817, 10682336
Ottensooser, Sivasubramanian, Bergamin, Lambides
Swan, W., & Rudd, K. (2010, May 2). Press Release: Stronger, Fairer, Simpler: A Tax Plan for
Our Future. Retrieved Sep 4, 2010, from Australian Treasury:
http://www.treasurer.gov.au/DisplayDocs.aspx?doc=pressreleases/2010/028.htm&pageID=
&min=wms&Year=&DocType=0

The Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2010, August 31). 8501.0 - Retail Trade. Retrieved
September 3, 2010, from The Australian Bureau of Statistics:
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8501.0

The Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2010, June). Australian Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved
September 3, 2010, from 5206.0 - Australian National Accounts: National Income,
Expenditute and Product: http://abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/5206.0?OpenDocument

United States Bureau of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2010, September 3). United States
Bureau of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 4, 2010, from Labor Force
Statistics from the Current Population Survey: http://www.bls.gov/cps/

MACROECONOMICS: THEORY AND APPLICATIONS (25555) p20

10873305, 10856817, 10682336
Ottensooser, Sivasubramanian, Bergamin, Lambides