Full report:

Source: Professor Russell Matthews, "Dialogues on Australia's Future"

Indicators

Pre-FSIA
Australia 1953-72

Post-FSIA
Australia 1983-93

Economic Growth
(% Change in real GDP)

5%

3.3%

Unemployment
(% of Labour force)

1.9%

8.6%

Inflation
(% change in CPI)

2.5%

5.7%

Average Real Earnings
(% change)

3.6%

-0.2%

Interest Rates
(5 year bonds)

5.0%

11.5%

Current Account Deficit
(% of GDP)

2.3%

4.5%

Fact:

Australia's current account deficit rose from Au$20 billion to Au$200 billion in just 10 years under Hawke and Keating.

How could the ALP let this happen?