10th Path to Full Employment Conference/15th National Unemployment Conference - December 4-5, 2008

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• Keynote speakers updated
• Call for papers open
• Registrations open

This year is the 10th Anniversary CofFEE Path to Full Employment Conference which also hosts the National Unemployment Conference (in its 15th edition). The 2008 CofFEE Conference will be held at the University of Newcastle on Thursday, December 4 and Friday, December 5. We are assembling a great group of guest speakers for our anniversary conference and other activities are planned. Keep a date free in your diary!

  Latest CLMI: May Quarter 2008 - Labour market still steady - 7.8 per cent overall underutilisation rate (posted July 14, 2008)

The latest CLMI for May 2007 shows that total labour underutilisation is steady at around 7.8 per cent. While official unemployment crept up in the May quarter (seasonally adjusted), underemployment fell slighty (down to 2.34 per cent overall). However, the economy is still generating part-time employment that fails to provide enough hours to satisfy the willing labour force. The detailed state breakdowns indicate that the mining states continue to enjoy stronger labour market conditions. Overall the economy is still a long way from full employment.

Click to view the latest Summary CLMI Chart.

To access the data, go to the CLMI page and select options under national indicators. You can then download the data tables into any normal word or spreadsheet application.

The four detailed quarterly CLMI publications for May 2008 can be downloaded using the links below:

• CLMI Total labour underutilisation
• CLMI underemployment by state and gender
• All CLMI indicators by gender
• All CLMI indicators by state

For earlier quarterly reports consult the CLMI Catalogue.

 Cambridge University book launch for CofFEE Authors

The official book launch for Full Employment Abandoned: Shifting Sands and Policy Failures by Bill Mitchell and Joan Muysken, published by Edward Elgar Publishing UK was held at Downing College, Cambridge University on July 4, 2008.

A review by Professor Randy Wray was read at the launch - Download full text.

For photos and other details of the launch.

You can order the book on-line from the publisher by clicking the title link. It is currently being offered at an introductory discount.

  A Just Transition to a Renewable Energy Economy in the Hunter Region, Australia

This Report was commissioned by Greenpeace Australia and demonstrates major benefits to the Hunter and nearby Wyong region from shifting from coal-fired power to a renewable energy economy. The Report includes two energy scenarios, detailing job creation for the Hunter as a self-sufficient energy producer and as an export centre.

• Download Report

  Latest Op Ed comment - July 18, 2008

A child's guide to the sub-prime crisis and other problems - Newcastle Herald, July 19 2008.

  Latest working paper - June 2008

--> A return to full employment is a precondition for social inclusion - this paper by Bill Mitchell argues that if the Federal Government is serious about social inclusion then it has to change tack dramatically and pursue a genuine full employment policy. This, in turn, will require a fundamental shift in macroeconomic thinking.

  New Podcast May 16 - Federal Budget Panel

You can download this MP3 podcast of the ABC Radio The World Today Budget Panel (courtesy of ABC radio) which includes CofFEE Director Bill Mitchell - Download Podcast - May 15, 2008

  New Podcast February 28 - The labour market challenge

CofFEE Director Bill Mitchell appeared on the Radio National current affairs program Australia Talks on Thursday, February 28 and spoke about the problems with using the unemployment rate to measure labour underutilisation, the failure of the previous government to introduce a national skills framework and the challenges facing the current federal government. You can listen to the program HERE