The Australian unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest level since 1989, and looks likely to fall further, perhaps even reaching the rate of 5 per cent, widely regarded as “full employment”. However, this relatively favourable outcome has been achieved only after a cyclical expansion so...

Reviews the discount rate controversy, and examines sustainability theory and optimal growth theory, tracing the rise in prominence of the former and the decline of the latter. Presents the rule‐of‐thumb interpretation of sustainability criteria, and proposes a utilitarian approach,...