The head of the great Viper of neo-conservative economics has been rather hidden in the sudden COVID-19 array of pump-priming policies from the Prime Minister and Treasurer. But one minister has a scheme to save the universities. Many, from the Arts Alliance to professional organisations in the humanities, have appealed for a rethink. For the minister is no knuckle-head, is himself an arts graduate and has two masters degrees in such areas as international affairs and trade.
History is a big sign of contradiction in the humanities, of course. It used to be OK when it dealt with pre-European occupation in a chapter, and then went on to cover convict transportation, then – with grateful sighs – the finish of all that and our redemption by hitting-above-our-weight instances of invention, innovation, the maturing of society, Bradman’s batting average , participation in foreign wars, et cetera.
As for future jobs, do we trust this government to know where they’ll be? It is a government, after all, that promoted a 1700 jobs gain in constructing and running a coal mine in the Galilee basin as if it represented employment nirvana. It’s not that anyone begrudges people jobs in an area where they’re needed. We just want people to have jobs that last.