No worries, whilst we probably disagree on a lot of things i...

No worries, whilst we probably disagree on a lot of things i think we both agree on the role of government in providing long life infrastructure that transforms the Australian economy and/or underpins social and economic growth.

Yep, China of late has been taking its role for bettering its people seriously. We rabbit on here about left and right but China doesn't operate a totally laisser faire economy as we do here and they are now our main export partner followed by Japan. It certainly has an idea, unlike us over here, about the role of govt in providing long life infrastructure and where to invest government receipts (just have a look at how that economy is been transformed). Not saying all it does is good in China, infact a lot of things are less than desired particularly in the Human rights area, but on its role in facilatating economic development it knows what to do.

It also knows what to do in the resource area where it has a dominant market position. Take rare earths, a few years ago it banned rare earth sales to Japan - important in electronics by the way and soon in EV - because one factor was we have the rare earths so if you want to get into electronics come and set up factories here or leave. China supplies 90% plus of rare earths so knew what to do with its strategic hold on that mineral. Herein Oz we just say here you go, have our LNG and cal and iron ore and whatever else you want, and we'll buy the higher valued commodity off you etc etc etc.

There is a balance in how govt can get the best from its resources. If we look at the labour share of National Income it has gone backwards over the last 30 years and yet what ends up in capital is simply been sent overseas to non-resident shareholders mainly and that is a stupid way to be looking after the long term interests of Australia (at the time our budget worsens and our infrastructure falls apart).
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/bu...ler-share-of-the-economy-20180803-p4zvcz.html

All IMO