Gorillas in the Mist: How Government Obscures Its Spending | Gene Tunny

In Gorillas in the Mist: How Government Obscures Its Spending, Gene Tunny examines how Australian governments increasingly rely on off-budget mechanisms—such as loans, equity injections, and special investment funds—to finance major policy initiatives without those costs appearing in the core budget balance. These tactics allow governments to maintain the appearance of fiscal discipline while accumulating hidden financial risks. The paper details the rapid growth of off-budget measures, evaluates their impact on transparency, accountability, and inflation, and calls for greater scrutiny to ensure public money is managed responsibly.

Read the paper here: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/gorillas-in-the-mist-how-government-obscures-its-spending/ 

Audio Produced by: Randall Evans

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