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Microeconomic Reform and Income Distribution: The case of Australian Ports and Rail Freight Industries

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  • George Verikios
  • Xiao-guang Zhang

Abstract

We analyse structural changes in the Australian ports and rail freight industries during 1990s that were driven by microeconomic reform. We estimate the direct and indirect effects on household income groups of these industry changes by applying a computable general equilibrium model incorporating detailed household income and expenditure accounts, and microsimulation behaviour. The model contains both top-down and bottom-up linkages. The structural changes lead to a small increase in household welfare in most regions, with an overall increase of 0.18%. Income inequality is estimated to have decreased slightly by 0.02%.

Suggested Citation

  • George Verikios & Xiao-guang Zhang, 2012. "Microeconomic Reform and Income Distribution: The case of Australian Ports and Rail Freight Industries," Centre of Policy Studies/IMPACT Centre Working Papers g-230, Victoria University, Centre of Policy Studies/IMPACT Centre.
    • Handle: RePEc:cop:wpaper:g-230
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Cited by:

    1. Maheshwar Rao & Robert Tanton & Yogi Vidyattama, 2013. "‘A Systems Approach to Analyse the Impacts of Water Policy Reform in the Murray-Darling Basin: a conceptual and an analytical framework’," NATSEM Working Paper Series 13/22, University of Canberra, National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    computable general equilibrium; household income distribution; microeconomic reform; microsimulation; ports; rail freight;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C68 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computable General Equilibrium Models
    • C69 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Other
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • L92 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Railroads and Other Surface Transportation

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