Professor UTS Host of The Airport Economist & Footynomics, TV Presenter, Economist, Historian, public speaker, commentator
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Articles by Tim Harcourt
Tim Harcourt, Author at Switzer
Politics Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's bold move to have Canada join the European Union (EU) as an "associate member" has...
After the EU’s offer to Canada, could Australia also embrace a ‘Eurovision’?
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s bold move to have Canada join the European Union (EU) as an “associate member” has led to discussion of Australia following in Canada’s footsteps. After all, Australia has been represented in the Eurovision song contest since 2015, so why not join the EU? Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell, who has done more than many of his predecessors in getting Australia closer to a free-trade agreement with… Read complete article © The Conversation -
After the EU’s offer to Canada, could Australia also embrace a ‘Eurovision’? Original
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s bold move to have Canada join the European Union (EU) as an “associate member” has led to discussion of Australia following in Canada’s footsteps. After all, Australia has been represented in the Eurovision song contest since 2015, so why not join the EU? Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell, who has done more than many of his predecessors in getting Australia closer to a free-trade agreement with Europe, hasn’t ruled it out. He told The Sydney Morning Herald.
After the EU’s offer to Canada, could Australia also embrace a ‘Eurovision’?
4 hours ago The smart fix for the Treasury secretary is to dump tariffs and encourage free trade. The yield on 10-year Treasury bonds is dancing around 5%. It was 4% in March. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, facing higher borrowing costs, is in a quandary as to how to lower it. Roadblocks include …
Resilience and Reform (but sorry Boomers) – a Responsible Budget in 2026-27
Dr “Sunny” Jim Chalmers has brought down a responsible budget vowing not to slow the pace of reform due to the Iran War and subsequent global fuel crisis. However, the budget is not without its risks with an attack on the baby boomer holy trinity of negative gearing, capital gains tax (CGT) and family trusts. The Treasurer hopes the benefits to younger first home buyers looking to enter the housing market will make the budget popular and drown out the boomer concerns.
The Sports Network | Fields of Influence: Sport, Trade and Diplomacy in Action
Sport has always been more than just a game—it’s a powerful force for connection, collaboration and influence on the world stage. Fields of Influence: Sport, Trade and Diplomacy in Action explores how sport drives relationships, economic opportunity and cultural exchange.
Bondi Beach, Antisemitism, and Australian Identity
When I think of Australia, I often think of Bondi Beach. Not just its great natural beauty, its hip cosmopolitan but casual feel but also because of its importance in my own family history. My grandfather, Ken Harcourt, a Jew from Lismore, born of Romanian and Polish refugee parents, grew up in Bondi and he and his brother Sam spent most mornings in the surf and most afternoons at the track at Randwick.
From the Goldberg’s to the Icebergs - Bondi is Australia, Australia is Bondi beach
When I think of Australia, I often think of Bondi Beach. Not just its great natural beauty, its hip cosmopolitan but casual feel but also because of its importance in my own family history. My grandfather, Ken Harcourt, a Jew from Lismore, born of Romanian and Polish refugee parents, grew up in Bondi and he and his brother Sam spent most mornings in the surf and most afternoons at the track at Randwick.
Why Tasmania’s politicians couldn’t say no to a once-in-a-century AFL opportunity
It is now (almost) official: Tasmania will finally take its place in the Australian Football League (AFL). Tasmania, a foundation state of the nation’s homegrown game of Australian rules football, has trod a tortuous route, with great drama, over its plan for a 23,000-seat indoor stadium precinct at Macquarie Point on Hobart’s picturesque waterfront. The state is now on the cusp of realising a dream many footy-loving Tasmanians had long hoped for.
Why Tasmania’s politicians couldn’t say no to a once-in-a-century AFL opportunity
It is now (almost) official: Tasmania will finally take its place in the Australian Football League (AFL). Tasmania, a foundation state of the nation’s homegrown game of Australian rules football, has trod a tortuous route, with great drama, over its plan for a 23,000-seat indoor stadium precinct at Macquarie Point on Hobart’s picturesque waterfront. The state is now on the cusp of realising a dream many footy-loving Tasmanians had long hoped for. Read complete article © The Conversation -
Why Tasmania’s politicians couldn’t say no to a once-in-a-century AFL opportunity
It is now (almost) official: Tasmania will finally take its place in the Australian Football League (AFL). Tasmania, a foundation state of the nation’s homegrown game of Australian rules football, has trod a tortuous route, with great drama, over its plan for a 23,000-seat indoor stadium precinct at Macquarie Point on Hobart’s picturesque waterfront. The state is now on the cusp of realising a dream many footy-loving Tasmanians had long hoped for.
Why Tasmania’s politicians couldn’t say no to a once-in-a-century AFL opportunity
Written by Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney It is now (almost) official: Tasmania will finally take its place in the Australian Football League (AFL). Tasmania, a foundation state of the nation’s homegrown game of Australian rules football, has trod a tortuous route, with great drama, over its plan for a 23,000-seat indoor stadium precinct at Macquarie Point on Hobart’s picturesque waterfront.
The Sport Economist
We know Australians are sport-crazy, but what does it mean for economic well-being and social cohesion? Is hosting the Olympics worth it? Will Australian cricket survive the T20 revolution and the dominance of India and the Indian Premier League? And how does Australia cope with four codes of football – Aussie rules, rugby league, rugby union and soccer – when most countries can only manage one or two codes? If these issues on the future of sport grab your attention, then this book is for you.
Global Trade and Australia in the Wake of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs
President Trump’s “Liberation Day” trade doctrine, rolled out on April 2, 2025, introduced sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs, starting with a 10 % universal baseline on most imports and escalating to higher country-specific rates based on alleged trade barriers. Australia, reflecting its close ties with the U.S., was assigned the lowest additional tariff, with its overall rate staying at 10 %.
“A powerful enduring stimulus”: The economics of the Tasmania Devils Football Club
Article text written by Tim Harcourt Introduction The economic and social benefits of the Tasmania Devils Football Club covers sports innovation and technology, job creation and skill formation, tourism associated with the club, stadium and precinct, as well as a boost to brand Tasmania on the national and international stage.
Grant O'Brien's vision for Tasmanian AFL success
Grant O’Brien’s leadership role with the Tasmanian Devils Football Club aims to boost Tasmania’s economy and community engagement. Article text written by Professor Tim Harcourt Chair, Tasmania Football Club | Chair, Tasmania Tourism Board | Former CEO, Woolworths Footynomics: The Business of Sport By Tim Harcourt From stacking supermarket shelves in Sandy Bay, to leading one of Australia’s biggest retailers, Grant O’Brien’s journey is as remarkable as it is inspiring.
How The JackJumpers Effect will influence Tasmania’s upcoming AFL team
We’ve Seen the Jack Jumpers Effect — So Will There Be a Devil-Led Boom? Article text by Professor Tim Harcourt The Tasmania-based basketball franchise, the Tasmania JackJumpers, have just undergone a change of ownership, from founder Larry Kestelman to new owners Altor Capital (Read more here). Kestelman will keep his ownership of the National Basketball League itself but will remain with the JackJumpers for 2 years as part of the transition to new owners by 2027.
SA Premier on how Adelaide is inspiring Tasmania’s sports growth
Tasmania seeks to emulate South Australia’s success with Adelaide Oval to boost sport, culture, and infrastructure development. Article text by Professor Tim Harcourt, Chief Economist, Centre for Sport, Business and Society, UTS I first met Peter Malinauskas, the 47th Premier of South Australia through a footy connection. We both played for the Adelaide University Football Club (AUFC) in the South Australian Amateur (Aussie Rules) Football competition.
As the NRL edges into Darwin, does the AFL need to be more proactive in the NT?
The Northern Territory government recently announced the Dolphins, the NRL’s newest team that entered the league in 2023, would play a home game at TIO Stadium in Darwin every year from 2026 to 2028. The Dolphins deal replaces between the NT and the Parramatta Eels, which ran from 2014 to 2025. The NRL announcement came soon after the AFL’s Gold Coast played two “home” games at TIO Stadium during Sir Doug Nicholls Round, which is dedicated to Indigenous players, cultures and communities.
What can sport learn from economics and economics from sport? - Hills.Sydney Digital Magazine
At first glance, it may seem that economics and sport are of little relevance to one another. But economic analysis can inform big sporting decisions from signing players to specific plays to performance assessment; while sport can shed light on fundamental economic questions. If you look closely at your favourite sport nowadays, it is hard to miss the influence of economics.
Defending the Territory - Can Darwin be the AFL’s 20th Club?
The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 569 points or 1.2% on Tuesday, reflecting investor optimism for an upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate cut. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also posted gains, up 0.8% and 0.4% respectively. This represented a recovery from earlier losses, where the S&P 500 briefly fell by 0.7%.
Footy’s ‘code wars’ are back, but which is actually the No. 1 Australian sport: the NRL or AFL?
Every now and then, so-called “code wars” erupt between the major Australia winter football codes: the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Football League (AFL). This animosity likely stems from a phenomenon known as “the Barassi Line”, a cultural and geographical divide based on football preference which runs from Eden, NSW, through Canberra and up to Arnhem Land.
Footy’s ‘code wars’ are back, but which is actually the No. 1 Australian sport: the NRL or AFL?
© 2025 Tolerance.ca ® Inc. All reproduction rights reserved. All information reproduced on the Web pages of www.tolerance.ca (including articles, images, photographs, and logos) is protected by intellectual property rights owned by Tolerance.ca ® Inc. or, in certain cases, by its author. Any reproduction of the information for use other than personal use is prohibited.
Footy’s ‘code wars’ are back, but which is actually the No. 1 Australian sport: the NRL or AFL?
Every now and then, so-called “code wars” erupt between the major Australia winter football codes: the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Football League (AFL). This animosity likely stems from a phenomenon known as “the Barassi Line”, a cultural and geographical divide based on football preference which runs from Eden, NSW, through Canberra and up to Arnhem Land.
Footy’s ‘code wars’ are back, but which is actually the No. 1 Australian sport: the NRL or AFL?
Written by Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney Every now and then, so-called “code wars[1]” erupt between the major Australia winter football codes: the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Football League (AFL). This animosity likely stems from a phenomenon known as “the Barassi Line”, a cultural and geographical divide based on football preference which runs from Eden, NSW, through Canberra and up to Arnhem Land.
Who is winning battle of the heavy weights NRL or AFL? The ‘code wars’ revisited.
The so-called ‘code wars’ continue in Australia winter sport with National Rugby League (NRL) chair Peter V’Landys claiming victory over the Australian Football League (AFL) in his latest salvo. But is he right? What does the AFL say in reply and how about the other football codes, soccer and rugby union? First of all, they are not wars. Wars are what happens between Israel and Hamas, or Russia and Ukraine or India and Pakistan.
After Australia’s election: what are the big economic challenges?
US president Donald Trump has won another election – for the centre-left. First, there was Canada with prime minister Mark Carney holding onto power for his country’s Liberal Party. Now in Australia, prime minister Anthony Albanese has won a second term, with a huge swing to the Labor Party delivering a thumping majority right across the country – from coast to coast and from Darwin to the southern tip of Tasmania.
Australia re-elects Anthony Albanese’s Labor with a thumping majority
Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra When we look back, we can see the road to election day has had a multitude of signposts, flashing red lights, twists, turns and potholes. Some came before the formal campaign; others in the final countdown days; some have been major, others symbolic. The importance of certain markers has been obvious in the moment; the significance of others became clear in retrospect. Here is a recap of a few of those that have shaped this campaign and its battle for votes.
The airport economist: how is southern India responding to the trade war?
With the world economy in turmoil as the trade war between China and the United States restarts, more exporters and foreign investors are looking towards the emerging economic superpower, India. This should be no surprise. After all, India has a GDP of over $3.5 trillion (see Figure 1) and this is growing at an impressive 7-8% a year. Even with a huge population of 1.4 billion people, India’s economic projections are mind-blowing.
The airport economist: what’s happening in Taiwan’s economy?
Taiwan is a real surprise package. This small tropical island of just 23 million people has a GDP of nearly $760 billion, which puts it close to being in the top 20 economies in the world. It is a place full of energy and innovation that has invented items as diverse as the DVD, Connect 6 laptop projectors and bubble tea. More recently, it has become the centre of the world’s semiconductor industry (see Figure 1).
What are the big economic issues in Australia’s federal election?
Imagine this. A centre-left government behind in the polls against a surging conservative opposition. An immigration and housing policy crisis causing anxiety among voters. Populist parties on the rise on the extreme right and the hard left. Then along comes Donald Trump returning to the White House with his tariffs and related chaos – and suddenly the political fortunes of the parties are reversed (see Figure 1). Am I talking about Canada? I could be.
Why Donald’s tariffs are trumping voters in the Australian election
Imagine this. A centre-left government behind in the polls against a surging conservative opposition. An immigration and housing policy crisis causing anxiety amongst voters. Populist parties on the rise on the right and the hard left embracing anti-Semitism in response to Gaza. Then along comes the Donald Trump 2.0 to the White House with his tariffs and related chaos and suddenly the political fortunes of the parties is reversed. Am I talking about Canada? I could be.
Why India is emerging as the new global economic owerhouse
With the world in turmoil from the trade war started by President Xi and escalated by President Trump, more exporters and foreign investors are looking towards the emerging economic superpower, India. It’s no surprise. After all, India has a GDP of over US$3.5 trillion (A$5.8 trillion) spread across a massive 1.4 billion people. It is growing at an impressive 7 to 8% a year. But even with this large population, India’s economic projections are mind-blowing.
Memories of Chris Hurford
Chris Hurford was an old-fashioned social democrat, a true Labor man with great values who knew the labour movement could lift up the poor without hurting the rich and could support his Labor principles and his Catholic faith not on his sleeve but into action for social improvement. In Adelaide in the 1960s & 70s Chris was instrumental in my mother Joan Harcourt running for SA Parliament for the ALP. Chris and Don Dunstan were looking for talented women to fly the Labor flag.
Thats not an Accord now, this is an Accord!
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, on the back of some successful Covid19 crisis leadership, recently proposed that employer groups and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) sit down together to negotiate a new Industrial Relations (IR) framework for the post Covid19 labour market under the guidance of IR Minister Christian Porter. He did this having already worked closely with ACTU Secretary Sally McManus on the details of the Governments wage subsidy programme JobKeeper.
TIM HARCOURT. Eight things we need to do for Corona recovery
Bill Kelty, the former Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) Secretary (and my old boss) recently praised Prime Minister Scott Morrison in The Conversation and his: Go big, Act fast and keep the lights on approach to Coronavirus. Intuitively, Kelty was recommending the same approach suggested by leading international economists.
Coronanomics We need good leadership in turbulent times.
As the world tackles the Coronavirus pandemic, there’s been a lot of talk about leadership and trust, not just between nations but within nations as well. Similarly, in businesses and a whole range of organisations, good leadership has come to the fore as leaders have to focus on some urgent issues affecting short term revenue and how it affects their workforce.
Surveying democratic election results around the world, its clear the high water mark for globalisation has been met. Free trade, always questionable economics, is no longer good politics and in many ways has jumped the shark. Weve seen Trump on the populist right (or wherever Trump is as he has his own political pendulum), and Bernie Sanders on the left turning US trade politics upside down.
Asian Tiger, Hidden Treasure - Looking at Taiwan
Taiwan is a real surprise package. For a small tropical island of just 23 million people it has become the centre of the world’s semiconductor industry. And with a population smaller than Australia, Taiwan is full of energy and innovation. It has invented items as diverse as the DVD, Connect 6 laptop projectors and bubble tea, and in terms of GDP at nearly US$760 billion ($AUS 1210 billion) is approaching the top 20 economies in the world.
10 things to know about the Federal Budget 2025-26
1. The context. This is the budget that nobody wanted. It was only necessary because of the partial delay in the calling of the election due to cyclone Alfred in Queensland. This makes it Treasurer ‘Sunny Jim’ Chalmers’s 4th budget when normally Treasurer would only bring down three in a normal term of government. 2. The macroeconomic outcomes present a good story.
10 things to know about the federal budget 2025-26
The context. This is the budget that nobody wanted. It was only necessary because of the partial delay in the calling of the election due to cyclone Alfred in Queensland. This makes it Treasurer ‘Sunny Jim’ Chalmers’ 4th budget when normally Treasurer would only bring down 3 in a normal term of government. The macroeconomic outcomes present a good story.
First Xi, now Trump: tariff impacts on the Australian economy
First, the tariffs from China hit Australian exporters now it’s the Trump tariffs on steel and aluminium – and as we have just learnt there will be no exemption. How will these measures affect the USA, but also China, Australia and the rest of the global economy? Like the China COVID tariffs, the Trump tariffs will hurt Australian workers.
First Vegas, then the world? Why the NRL is eyeing international markets
This weekend, Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) continues to trumpet its now annual pilgrimage to open its season in Las Vegas. While it’s only the second year of a five-year arrangement, the NRL claims its Vegas experiment has been a great success at a time when the league has been in excellent health on and off the field. But why is the Australian league hosting games in Las Vegas? And has this experiment paid dividends? The NRL has made the bold decision to play games at Las Vegas.
First Vegas, then the world? Why the NRL is eyeing international markets
This weekend, Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) continues to trumpet its now annual pilgrimage to open its season in Las Vegas. While it’s only the second year of a five-year arrangement, the NRL claims its Vegas experiment has been a great success at a time when the league has been in excellent health on and off the field. But why is the Australian league hosting games in Las Vegas? And has this experiment paid dividends?
First Vegas, then the world? Why the NRL is eyeing international markets
Written by Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney This weekend, Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) continues to trumpet its now annual pilgrimage[1] to open its season in Las Vegas. While it’s only the second year of a five-year arrangement, the NRL claims its Vegas experiment has been a great success[2] at a time when the league has been in excellent health on and off the field[3]. But why is the Australian league hosting games in Las Vegas?
First Vegas, then the world? Why the NRL is eyeing international markets
Written by Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney This weekend, Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) continues to trumpet its now annual pilgrimage[1] to open its season in Las Vegas. While it’s only the second year of a five-year arrangement, the NRL claims its Vegas experiment has been a great success[2] at a time when the league has been in excellent health on and off the field[3]. But why is the Australian league hosting games in Las Vegas?
First Vegas, then the world? Why the NRL is eyeing international markets
© 2025 Tolerance.ca ® Inc. All reproduction rights reserved. All information reproduced on the Web pages of www.tolerance.ca (including articles, images, photographs, and logos) is protected by intellectual property rights owned by Tolerance.ca ® Inc. or, in certain cases, by its author. Any reproduction of the information for use other than personal use is prohibited.
Man of Steel? What do the new Trump steel tariffs mean for Australia and the world?
On his return to the White House, candidate Donald Trump campaigned on a 60 per cent tariff on all Chinese goods, and also flagged an across the board rise of 10 per cent for every other country. Now reality has set in with President Trump imposing tariffs by executive order.
It’s the most American of sports, so why is the NFL looking to Melbourne for international games?
Melbourne’s status as the sporting capital of Australia is well-established: the Victorian city hosts annual events such as the Australian Open tennis tournament, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Melbourne Cup horseracing carnival, Boxing Day cricket Test and more. Now the United States’ National Football League (NFL) is set to join the party. In May last year, the NFL earmarked Australia as a future host for an international game.
It’s the most American of sports, so why is the NFL looking to Melbourne for international games?
© 2025 Tolerance.ca ® Inc. All reproduction rights reserved. All information reproduced on the Web pages of www.tolerance.ca (including articles, images, photographs, and logos) is protected by intellectual property rights owned by Tolerance.ca ® Inc. or, in certain cases, by its author. Any reproduction of the information for use other than personal use is prohibited.
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