Posted: May 3rd, 2016

Uber has disrupted the taxi industry in Australia. Are the reforms introduced in the ACT and NSW sufficient to compensate taxi drivers for the disruption caused by Uber?

Essay 2: Summative Academic Essay
Students are required to write a summative academic essay of 1,500 words, answering one of the essay questions below. For this essay, it is expected that you now comprehend the standard of work required to write a sound academic essay. Employing the lessons and standards learnt from Essay 1, and drawing on the ideas and concepts taught in this unit, answer one (1) of the following essay questions:
1. There has been much talk of ‘disruptive technologies’ by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull recently, citing Uber and AirBnB in particular. What does it mean for technology to be ‘disruptive’ and what is it that is being ‘disrupted’? Ensure you refer to regulatory frameworks in your answer.
2. A recent move by the Queensland Parliament to re-regulate the sugar industry has been referred to as ‘sugar socialism’ by some and ‘economic lunacy’ by others. What is ‘socialist’ about the legislation and why might such a move be considered ‘economic lunacy’?
3. Uber has disrupted the taxi industry in Australia. Are the reforms introduced in the ACT and NSW sufficient to compensate taxi drivers for the disruption caused by Uber? What societal changes have enabled the rise of ride-sharing businesses such as Uber? Are these reforms good for the economy? Why or why not?
4. Taxation reform in Australia will be crucial in coming years to ensure the Commonwealth has sufficient revenue to manage its responsibilities. Yet recent budgets have maintained the status quo. Why is it so difficult for Australian governments to implement major taxation reform? Who are the potential winners and losers? To what extent do the interest groups involved in the debate control the agenda?
5. Australian workplace relations reform in the late twentieth century included a move away from national and state-based awards to an enterprise bargaining system. Moves by the Howard Government to introduce an individual workplace bargaining system not only failed, but were largely blamed for Prime Minister Howard losing his seat at the 2007 election. Discuss the rationale for workplace relations reform. Who are the winners and losers? Why are Australian voters reluctant to accept an individual workplace bargaining system?