Please note: This subject had been discontinued and is no longer on offer.

This subject focuses on the development of the Australian economy over the last two centuries from both a domestic and international comparative perspective. It seeks to enhance our knowledge about, and understanding of, the modern Australian economy and its international standing by reference to a longer term process of development stretching back to early British settlement and its impact on the antededent Aboriginal economy. Following an overview of Australian experience, the subject will be presented thematically drawing upon key microeconomic and macroeconomic questions. Principal topics will include: growth trajectories and economic fluctuations; structural change and development; capital markets and financial institutions; population and immigration; human capital and labour supply; living standards and welfare; manufacturing and international business; the development of a corporate economy; economic policy especially tariffs and competition; economic debates; regional engagement in Asia and globalisation. There will be an opportunity to analyse and discuss original historical documents and to write a research essay.