1m ago49m ago1 min read
Feeling the pinch? Blame the pay rise you didn’t get
HealthEconomic analysis
The economy is not in a healthy state, with 2% growth mostly due to population growth, not increased wealth for individuals.
An economist suggests that the lack of pay rises, rather than worker demands, is a key factor in high inflation.
- OpinionSeptember 16, 2026 — 5:00amI have one thing to say to our politicians, economists and readers of this august organ: no, it’s not the economy, stupid ... it’s wages.At present, the economy is not in a healthy state.
- Although its growth of 2 per cent over the year to June sounds reasonable, the great majority of that growth is attributable to our growing population.
- Little of the remaining growth represents the rest of us becoming a bit better off.
Key Takeaways
- The economy grew 2% over the year to June
- Most of the economic growth is due to population growth
- Individuals are not becoming better off despite economic growth
- Workers are not the primary cause of high inflation
- Economist argues that wages are the key issue, not the economy as a whole
Media Spectrum
Total: 1 source•Published: 49m ago•Last Updated: 1m ago
100%0%0%
LeftCenterRight
Bias & Framing Analysis
Top Framing Differences
- Left: Coverage on "Feeling the pinch? Blame the pay rise you didn’t get" is documented across center and left-leaning reporting.
- Center: Coverage gap: Currently unaddressed by verified outlets on this side of the spectrum.
- Right: Coverage gap: Currently unaddressed by verified outlets on this side of the spectrum.
Overall Tone
Center
Coverage Blindspots
Left
Left-leaning desks have 1 source on "Feeling the pinch? Blame the pay rise you didn’t get"; additional angles may appear as coverage expands.
Right
Coverage blindspot: Reporting on this development is currently concentrated in other segments of the media landscape.
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What's Next
Expected Outcomes
- Potential changes in economic policy, increased focus on wage growth
Why It Matters
Understanding the root causes of inflation and its impact on individuals and the economy
Key Perspective
No attributed perspective yet — we only show quotes grounded in analysis.
Credibility & Editorial Standards
Story FramingLeft
Evaluated across 1 reporting source (100% Left · 0% Center · 0% Right)
L 100%C 0%R 0%
Outlet ConsensusLeft
Historical editorial baseline for Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News (AU)
HealthLeft
Politics & GovernanceLeft
Credibility ScoreHigh Credibility
89/ 100
Multi-factor accuracy index for Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News (AU) and related desks based on verifiable sourcing and editorial standards.
Factuality: High 100%
Ownership: Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News (AU) (Corporate)
Timeline of this story
- 49m agoSydney Morning Herald - Latest News (AU): One economist has blown the whistle on who’s keeping inflation high. It’s not the workers.
Historical Context
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