The 128th Annual Henry George Commemorative Dinner

by | Aug 1, 2019 | Events

Join Prosper Australia and renowned economist Professor Frank Stilwell for our 128th Annual Henry George Dinner on Wednesday 4th of September.

We will be exploring the theme Land, Labor, and Capital: Understanding economic and social problems. This event will be a great opportunity to network with others interested in the problem of economic inequality and the legacy of Georgism in Australia.

Who Was Henry George?
Henry George was a highly influential political economist of the late nineteenth century who popularised an economic lens through which land was the key factor regarding wealth accumulation and poverty. By more comprehensively taxing land, George suggested that we can reduce the tax load on the parts of our economy which slow productivity. In turn, this will spur societal progress and ensure that the benefits of this progress are shared fairly. Read more on Henry George

Over the last few decades, inequality has increased within most countries around the world. Professor Frank Stilwell’s address on understanding our economic and social problems comes shortly after the launch of his latest book, The Political Economy of Inequality, which provides an overview of the problem of growing inequality in our society; its causes, consequences, and solutions. 

In his speech to this year’s dinner, Emeritus Professor Frank Stilwell will discuss the history and modern relevance of Georgist ideas. The primary focus will be on the three big problems of economic inequality, insecurity and unsustainability that currently bedevil our economy and society.

Understanding the nature of these problems requires analysis of the relationship between land, labour and capital. Henry George’s political economic thought built on earlier ideas about all people’s right to an equal stake in the bounty of nature. His 1890 visit to Australia showed the relevance of these ideas in the local context.

Now, a century later, we need to consider the continuing relevance of the Georgist political economic ideas and how they relate to other proposals for radical economic reform. Professor Stilwell’s analysis of these issues should be of interest to all who are troubled by the evident incapacity of governments to create a more equitable, secure and sustainable future.

This year we are excited to be hosting our dinner at the Kelvin Club, one of Melbourne’s oldest and most reputable social clubs, located in the heart of the city and offering a range of opportunities for organisations and charities. Event tickets will include your choice of a selection of hearty country-style dishes, with drinks able to be purchased at the bar. 

Our Annual Dinner is a chance to reflect on the work of Prosper over the past year. And what a year it has been! We’ve released a number of successful research projects, helped the Victorian treasury close some tax loopholes, undertaken a strategic review, and completely revamped our website. 

This will be a wonderful event, full of stimulating conversations and great food. Don’t miss out.

 

The Kelvin Club, 14-30 Melbourne Place, Melbourne
6pm—9:30pm
Wednesday 4th of September

 

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2 Comments

  1. Matt
    Matt on August 19, 2019 at 10:07 pm

    If Georgist ideas become understood and embraced widely enough across the community to the point where their adoption, at least in part, by a political party with a realistic chance of elected representation, what would the most feasible policies be to advocate for that would have the most beneficial effects in the shortest timeframe? Would an incremental introduction or a far reaching introduction be likely to ensure their successful establishment?

  2. Karl Fitzgerald
    Karl Fitzgerald on August 20, 2019 at 10:25 am

    Good question Matt. Our recent Stamp Duty to Land Tax report focused on a three year implementation plan where significant improvements are likely to occur in the one election cycle. I prefer this more accelerated adoption so that benefits can be felt in time for the likely scaremongering campaign (rather than the 20 year ACT transition). As stated in that report, we could halve payroll tax if the land value tax is kept at 0.74% across residential owner-occupied property. Perhaps with the increased automation of the mining sector a government could one day offer significant company tax cuts in lieu of a more meaningful Resource Rent system (one without such elaborate depreciation allowances). Land Value Capture is already common parlance in policy circles. Read this article we were quoted in for the best system to fund congestion busting infrastructure. The big issue is breaking it down for the everyday person. How to reach the Herald Sun reader. Any tips?