The other kind of Australia

We tend to think of Australia as a country whose most valuable resources lie underground. I think that values what we have above ground too lightly. In The Monthly, out now, I make the case through one of Australia’s most compelling entrepreneurs. Shi Zhengrong is not a household name – but he should be. What he has produced is a template for a different kind of Australia – one that weaves its way in the global economy by the thread of its best minds and budding businessmen. Buy a copy or subscribe here to read my essay.

The Economist released a special issue on Australia last week which made a related point. I have written a piece in The Age today – click here – which begins to draw the connections. This is a question ripe for now . We are a country whose economy is booming and whose chief customer, China, is ascendant. It won’ always be, so what are we doing to invest the surplus wisely? Canberra is not giving a lot away in that respect but in my piece in The Age I begin to explore some ideas.