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Australia's COVID-19 public budgeting response: the straitjacket of neoliberalism

Author

Listed:
  • Jane Andrew
  • Max Baker
  • James Guthrie
  • Ann Martin-Sardesai

Abstract

Purpose - This paper explores how neoliberalism restrains the ability of governments to respond to crises through budgetary action. It examines the immediate budgetary responses to the COVID-19 pandemic by the Australian government and explores how the conditions created by prior neoliberal policies have limited these responses. Design/methodology/approach - A review and examination of the prior literature on public budgeting and new public management are provided. The idea of a “neoliberal straitjacket” is used to frame the current budgetary and economic situation in Australia. Findings - The paper examines the chronology of Australia's budgetary responses to the economic and health crisis created by COVID-19. These responses have taken the form of tax breaks and a temporary payment scheme for individuals made unemployed by the pandemic. Practical implications - The insights gained from this paper may help with future policy developments and promote future research on similar crises. Originality/value - The analysis of Australia's policies in dealing with the pandemic may offer insights for other countries struggling to cope with the fiscal consequences of COVID-19.

Suggested Citation

  • Jane Andrew & Max Baker & James Guthrie & Ann Martin-Sardesai, 2020. "Australia's COVID-19 public budgeting response: the straitjacket of neoliberalism," Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 32(5), pages 759-770, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:jpbafm:jpbafm-07-2020-0096
    DOI: 10.1108/JPBAFM-07-2020-0096
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    Cited by:

    1. Andrew, Jane & Baker, Max & Cooper, Christine & Tweedie, Jonathan, 2024. "Wealth taxes and the post-COVID future of the state," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    2. Finau, Glenn & Chand, Satish, 2023. "Resistance is fertile: A Bourdieusian analysis of accounting and land reform in Fiji," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).

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