John Freebairn holds the Ritchie Chair in economics at the University of Melbourne.
He has degrees from the University of New England and the University of California, Davis. Prior to joining Melbourne in 1996 his preceding career includes university appointments at the ANU, LaTrobe and Monash, and periods with the NSW Department of Agriculture and at the Business Council of Australia.
John is an applied microeconomist and economic policy analyst with current interests in taxation reform and environmental economics.
Estimating the 'cost' of fuel tax credits is a tricky business
Aug 29, 2016 07:42 am UTC| Insights & Views Law Economy
In calling for an end to fossil fuel subsidies, critics of Australias fuel tax credits system have highlighted its cost to Australian taxpayers and the budget bottom line. The Greens have said that ending fossil fuel...
Explainer: how company versus personal tax cuts boost the economy
Mar 21, 2016 04:21 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy
Suppose the government had about A$10 billion a year to fund lower income tax. It could reduce personal income tax by about 6%, or lower each marginal rate by about 1.5 percentage points. Alternatively it could reduce...
Johannesburg in a time of darkness: Ivan Vladislavić’s new memoir reminds us of the city’s fragility
Labour can afford to be far more ambitious with its economic policies – voters are on board
Sudan: civil war stretches into a second year with no end in sight