Talking Business is a podcast review of the Australian economy, presented by seasoned business journalists Leon Gettler and Garry Barker, produced in association with the RMIT College of Business. It features interviews with prominent business leaders and expert analysis from RMIT academics.
Economist Alberto Posso recently sat down with Talking Business’ Leon and Garry to chat about the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) release of trade figures and Australia’s new surplus.
Mr Posso said: “Politically running a surplus is always seen as a very, very good thing.” Economists, meanwhile, are less concerned with whether the country runs at a surplus or deficit.
Mr Posso highlighted the ABS’ statistics on intermediate good imports, particularly in regard to fuels and lubricants which are down by 26%. This follows a 17% increase in the previous month. He hypothesized that the drop in intermediate imports could have implications for future growth, making Australia is less productive in future.
[podcast]http://itunesu.its.rmit.edu.au/sites/default/files/itunesmedia/tlkbus52b.mp3[/podcast]
Garry Barker and Leon Gettler both have established careers with The Age newspaper, where Garry Barker is its Technology Editor, and Leon Gettler is a Senior Business Journalist. Gettler also works freelance on a number of other publications.
