In this episode of the Australia Together Podcast on Substack Bronwyn Kelly reads the Chapter 1 of her latest book, The Public Interest Economy: the path to wellbeing, security and sustainable consumption in a democratised Australian economy.
Chapter 1 describes what a public interest economy is and its feasibility as a solution to Australia’s economic decline in the 21st century.
A public interest economy is a fundmental entitlement; it’s a right for all humans, not just some. And there is a very good reason for our entitlement to it as equals. A public interest economy is not just about a bit more economic justice in society and it’s not just about opportunities for incremental improvements in welfare and wellbeing; in an age of resource loss and breaches of planetary limitations, it is a necessity for our survival.
Chapter 1 also introduces a theme that underpins the rest of the book: the claim that our economic prosperity, personal safety, welfare and wellbeing are not limited by a lack of money. A public interest economy is entirely feasible once we realise that anything we can actually do, we can afford.
Anything we can actually do, we can afford.
John Maynard Keynes
Listen to the full book in weekly instlaments
You’ll be able to listen to a complete reading of The Public Interest Economy in weekly instalments.
If you wish to keep reading now, the full book has already been published and is available on Kindle here. The paperback is available for pre-order here or click on the picture below. Or visit the Australian Community Futures Planning website to purchase The Public Interest Economy at https://austcfp.com.au/publications#public-interest-economy
Stay in touch for the next episode
Next Episode: Chapter 2, Parts 1 and 2 - What is a public interest economy and why do we need it?
Chapter 2 is about how money can be deployed in Australia’s economy to make us safe. All of the challenges and problems about Australia’s economy and our prospects discussed so far in these readings have real solutions. Over the coming weeks, as I read through the chapters of The Public Interest Economy, I will show how Australians can organise themselves to implement those solutions. A prosperous future is possible for everyone in this country if we use our democracy to its fullest potential.
