Term 3: Microeconomics (Slides 4) Flashcards
What is microeconomics?
Microeconomics examines the operation of the smaller units that make up the economy.
What are microeconomic policies?
Microeconomic policies are government actions taken to:
- Improve productivity of industries
or markets
- Support competition
- Improve outcomes for consumers
- Increase employment opportunities
part of the government’s attempt to
satisfy as many wants as possible with limited resources.
What are examples of private sector wants?
cars, fashion, technology
What are examples of collective wants?
renewable energy, roads, schools
Microeconomic policies:
Microeconomic policies operate
within every role of government
with the intention to improve
living standards in society.
Microeconomic Policy Focuses (types of microeconomic policies):
- trade liberalisation,
- labour market reforms,
- market deregulation,
- national reform agenda,
- contemporary australian policy (immigration and the environment)
How is trade managed?
The imposition of tariffs/quotas and the provision of subsidies helps protect local business from overseas competition.
What is a tariff?
a tax on imports that raise the price of imported goods.
Does Australia impose a lot of tariffs?
No, Australia has very few tariffs e.g. on vehicle parts and dairy.
What is a Quota?
A limit on imported goods.
What are some examples of quotas in Australia?
tobacco, types of cheese, HFC (hydrofluorocarbons)
What is a subsidy?
an amount given to local producers to help them lower prices and compete with cheaper imports.
What are some examples of subsidies in Australia?
dairy, agricultural products
What is trade liberalisation?
Trade liberalisation involves removing barriers to trade between different countries and encouraging free trade.
What is free trade?
Free trade is when there are no artificial barriers to trade between nations.
How is trade liberalisation achieved?
- Cut tariffs
- Reduce Subsidies
- Abolishing Import quotas
- Increasing Bi-lateral free-trade
agreements
What are some negative impacts of trade liberalisation?
- Australian manufacturers have
struggled to remain competitive. - Labour reform policies have caused
increased labour costs compared to
overseas labour costs - Car industry has closed its doors in
Australia.
What is the labour market?
The labour market regulates wages and working conditions.
How is the labour market regulated?
Includes the system of award and enterprise agreements as regulated by the Fair Work Commission.
What are some positives of deregulation of the labour market?
- Workers paid more for increased
productivity - Increased productivity means lower
costs and more competitive prices. - Successfully competitive
manufacturers will provide more
employment opportunities