Budget cash splash irresponsible now that emergency is over warns economist Stephen Anthony

Macroeconomics chief economist Stephen Anthony says the budget is a wasted opportunity for repair with too much misdirected spending. 

Mr Anthony says with the emergency over, the federal government needs to stop pumping in stimulus so the economy can recovery. 

He tells me the cash splash is irresponsible and the private enterprise should not be leading the recovery rather than the taxpayer.

Here's my budget review from RN Breakfast

I also spoke on AM with EY chief economist Jo Masters who says rising inflation is a looming risk to higher interest rates.

Christine Holgate mentally scarred but wiser as she accepts new CEO gig after Australia Post ousting

Former Australia Post chief executive Christine Holgate says she is mentally scarred but stronger after her painful ousting late last year. 

Ms Holgate has accepted a new role as chief executive of the freight company Global Express but has called on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to "pick up the phone and apologise" for her treatment. 

Here's my analysis and interview with Christine Holgate

Also, Star Entertainment Group has made a highly conditional offer for the troubled Crown Entertainment casino empire to create a $12 billion merged company. But ABC's Peter Ryan says any deal would require ACCC approval and signoff from state gaming regulators.

Here's how we broke the news on ABC NewsRadio with Tom Oriti.

Big spending budget set to splash on aged care, infrastructure: Monday Finance with Peter Ryan

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is finetuning a big spending federal budget that will pump tens of billions of dollars into aged care, infrastructure, child care and economic security for women.

Westpac chief economist Bill Evans concedes a windfall from falling iron ore prices could be an element of good luck, but he says sound economic management in "going big and going early" with emergency stimulus has been critical in the pandemic-induced crisis.

Here's my analysis from RN Breakfast with Fran Kelly