“The power of simple theory and important facts” A Conversation with Bob Gregory

Bob Gregory contrasts ‘the presuppositions of Royal Parade’ of 1950 Melbourne with the present outlook of himself and Australia at large. He outlines the evolution of his methodological position from the University of Melbourne student to the Canberra policy advisor, and defends that position from criticism. He recalls the genesis of the Gregory Thesis, and advances his account of the decline of trade unionism, the impact of the welfare state on household formation, and Aboriginal unemployment.