Analysis

Morrison’s COVID-19 response puts profits ahead of people

While the JobKeeker allowance is significant, the package has a number of major weaknesses, writes Lisbeth Latham.

JobKeeper package leaves a million workers behind

The federal government’s JobKeeper package will be a relief for about 6 million workers, but more than a million workers will be left to fend for themselves, writes Jim McIlroy.

Is JobKeeper good for us?

Michael Bull reveals JobKeeper as a thinly disguised handout to businesses, and argues we need an assistance package that directly supports workers.

Vale John Passant 1953–2020

John Passant passed away peacefully on April 5. Paul Oboohov recounts the life and achievements of this socialist activist, poet, lawyer, academic and tax expert.

COVID-19: Subordinate corporate profits to public need

Whatever the early delays and bungling in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we can be relieved Australia did not follow in lock-step with Britain and the United States. However, governments here are not pulling out all stops to save lives, writes Sam Wainwright.

Why waste money preserving the status quo?

The federal government plans to spend $130 billion for a wage subsidy, but Peter Boyle argues it is more a corporate survival subsidy.

Our lives are worth more than their profits: An emergency plan to confront the crisis

The Socialist Alliance has released the following plan to combat COVID-19.

No more unconditional corporate bailouts

Abigail Boyd had a front-row seat to watch the wealthy be bailed out after the Global Financial Crisis in 2008. She warns the same is already happening with the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19: What can local councils do?

Socialist councillor Sue Bolton writes that years of cut-backs and privatisations have made it hard for councils to rapidly put in place a COVID-19 public health response.

COVID-19: Many refugees face destitution and disease

Other than those held in detention, refugees and asylum seekers living in communities across Australia are probably the most vulnerable to COVID-19, writes Jonathan Strauss.

COVID-19: Mass testing, shut downs and guaranteed incomes for all

The coronavirus pandemic is both a threat to our health and corporate profits. As Alex Bainbridge argues, our health needs must come first, which means meeting health needs without making workers and the unemployed pay for the crisis.

Morrison’s COVID-19 wage subsidy fails workers

After explicitly ruling them out, the federal government has now announced it will legislate for wage subsidy packages. Lisbeth Latham takes a critical look at what's on offer.