Find here:

• Economics writings on topics such as biochar and public debt.

• Writings that emphasis methods covering ecological economics, farm business economics, and case study methods

On Public Debt and Public Private Partnerships

Our main focus here is on the relationship of PPPs to perceptions of public indebtedness and, paradoxically, the burden of debt that some of the less successful PPPs have placed on Australian taxpayers, sometimes for generations to come. (co-authored. 2013. 5 pages)

Biochar Production in Victoria - A Sensitivity Analysis

This preliminary economic and financial analysis examines the conditions under which a large-scale pyrolysis plant processing 100,000 tonnes of crop stubble per annum and producing biochar and electricity is potentially a good investment under Victorian agricultural conditions. (Co-authored. 2009. 37 pages)

Case Studies: Theory and Practice in Natural Resource Management

There is a continuum of research methods. Some deal in a shallow way with large numbers of cases and draw on a narrow range of disciplinary knowledge, focusing on a few features of each case. By contrast, case study method typically deals with few cases and draws on a wide range of disciplinary knowledge to analyse complex systems in depth. Careful design can enhance considerably the value of case studies. This paper illustrates the application of case study method to economic aspects of resource and conservation management in agriculture. (Co-authored. 1997. 16 pages)

Natural resources policy and the behaviour of firms

In this paper, we explore the nature of firm behaviour. it is argued that the likely effectiveness of public policy directed at modifying firm behaviour will be influenced by the detail of the characteristics of the operating environment of the firm - including practices internal to the firm as well as its relationship with the external world. (2012, 22 pages)

Ecological economics and farm business economics - strategies for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation

Re-organisation of the farm business may be required if the owners are to feasibly manage their land in accordance with public policy goals. This and the implications for public policy are illustrated using case studies of Australian farms. The approach taken adds a new dimension to ecological economics, as well as a bridge to other sub-disciplines of economics that penetrate the 'black box' of the firm in neo-classical economics. The implications for policy are quite distinct from those derived through alternative economic analyses.

Paper to the 6th Biennial Conference ‘People and Nature: Operationalising Ecological Economics’, International Society for Ecological Economics, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia, 5-8 July 2000. (Co-authored. 2000. 19 pages)