By Undeadinc 
Leith van Onselen is a name that carries significant weight in the Australian economic and policy landscape. As an economist, commentator, and co-founder of the influential MacroBusiness platform, he has played an instrumental role in shaping discussions about economic trends, public policy, housing markets, immigration, and more. In this article, we will delve into the life and work of Leith van Onselen, exploring his career, political views, family background, and his relationship with other public figures, especially his connection with Peter van Onselen.
Early Life and Education
Despite his prominent public presence, Leith van Onselen is a somewhat private individual, with limited publicly available personal information. His educational journey began with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Melbourne University, followed by a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment from the Securities Institute of Australia (now FINSIA).
This academic background laid the foundation for his career in economics and public policy analysis. Although his exact date of birth or age is not widely available, Leith’s career trajectory suggests he has spent many years honing his expertise in the field of economics, particularly in the areas of public finance and housing markets.
Career and Professional Work
Leith van Onselen professional career is largely defined by his contributions to economic research and public policy analysis. He is perhaps best known as the Chief Economist at MacroBusiness, a well-respected Australian blog and media platform that focuses on economics, business, and policy issues.
MacroBusiness has built a reputation for its critical stance on mainstream economic policies and its commitment to providing independent analysis on matters ranging from housing affordability to the implications of immigration on the Australian economy.
Before his role at MacroBusiness, Leith worked in several prestigious institutions, including the Australian Treasury, Victorian Treasury, and Goldman Sachs. These roles provided him with invaluable experience in both public policy and financial markets.
His time at the Australian and Victorian Treasuries allowed him to gain deep insights into national economic policy, while his tenure at Goldman Sachs offered a more corporate perspective on financial markets. These experiences have undoubtedly influenced his writings and analysis, which often take a critical and data-driven approach to current economic conditions.
In addition to his work at MacroBusiness, Leith has also contributed to various other outlets and participated in podcasts and media discussions. He is frequently cited for his analyses on Australian economic trends, particularly those related to housing markets, interest rates, and public debt. Leith’s contributions to public discourse have made him a respected voice in Australian economic circles, and his opinions are regularly sought by both media outlets and industry professionals.
Leith van Onselen’s Political Views
Leith van Onselen’s political views are often aligned with a mix of economic conservatism and practical realism. He has been vocal about a number of policy issues, particularly in relation to immigration, housing, and public finances. One of the most notable aspects of his political commentary is his criticism of Australia’s immigration policy.
Leith has argued that the country’s high levels of immigration, particularly the influx of temporary migrants and students, have contributed to housing affordability issues. He contends that the rapid population growth associated with immigration has driven up demand for housing, which in turn has made it more difficult for ordinary Australians to afford their own homes.
In addition to immigration, Leith has also been an outspoken critic of Australian housing policy. He has written extensively about the housing affordability crisis, which he believes is exacerbated by a combination of high immigration rates, lax government regulations, and unsustainable property speculation.
According to Leith, the government’s failure to adequately address these issues has led to a situation where housing prices are detached from the average Australian’s income, making it increasingly difficult for first-time buyers to enter the market.
Leith has also criticized Australia’s approach to public finances, particularly the management of government debt and fiscal policy. He has frequently argued that the government’s growing debt is a significant threat to Australia’s economic stability and that more should be done to rein in public spending and reduce the country’s reliance on borrowing.
This perspective has made Leith a somewhat controversial figure, as his views on fiscal responsibility and austerity are at odds with those of more progressive economists who advocate for higher government spending to address social issues.
In recent years, Leith has expanded his commentary to include issues related to disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Having personal experience with disability in his own family, Leith has written about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the difficulties of navigating the NDIS. In particular, he has criticized the scheme for its inefficiency and the barriers that people with disabilities face when trying to access necessary services.
Leith’s critique of the NDIS is informed by his own experiences, including his struggles to secure funding for disability services for his autistic son. This personal insight has given Leith a unique perspective on disability policy and has contributed to the broader debate on the effectiveness of Australia’s disability support systems.
The Van Onselen Family: A Connection with Peter van Onselen?
A question that frequently arises in discussions about Leith van Onselen is whether he is related to Peter van Onselen, a prominent political academic and journalist. Despite sharing the same last name, there is no confirmed familial relationship between the two.
While both men are well-known public figures in Australia, they operate in different spheres of the media and public discourse. Peter van Onselen is known for his work as a political commentator, political editor for Daily Mail Australia, and a professor of politics, whereas Leith van Onselen is an economist with a particular focus on public policy, housing, and economic analysis.
Many people have speculated about a potential familial connection between Leith and Peter due to the similarity in their surnames, but there is no credible evidence to suggest that they are related. Leith and Peter have not publicly acknowledged any familial ties, and their respective careers do not overlap in a way that would suggest a close relationship. Therefore, it can be concluded that Leith and Peter van Onselen are not brothers, nor are they otherwise related.
Leith van Onselen’s Views on Immigration
One of the most significant and frequently discussed aspects of Leith van Onselen’s work is his critique of Australia’s immigration policy. Over the years, Leith has consistently argued that high levels of immigration have had a negative impact on key areas of the Australian economy, particularly in terms of housing affordability and the labour market. According to Leith, the rapid influx of immigrants, particularly temporary migrants, has created excess demand in the housing market, which has driven up property prices to unsustainable levels.
Leith’s views on immigration are rooted in his belief that the Australian government’s immigration policy has been too focused on population growth rather than the needs of the Australian people. He has suggested that the government should implement more stringent immigration controls, particularly when it comes to temporary migration, in order to better balance the needs of the economy with the welfare of Australian citizens.
Leith van Onselen’s Family and Personal Life
While Leith van Onselen is a public figure, there is limited information available about his personal life and family background. However, what is known is that Leith has a family member who plays a central role in his personal story. Leith’s son, who has been diagnosed with severe autism, has been a major influence on his views regarding disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Leith has spoken candidly about the challenges his family has faced in securing adequate funding for disability services, which has shaped his critical stance on the NDIS.
Apart from these personal experiences, there is little public information about Leith’s other family members, such as his parents, siblings, or spouse. The focus of his public profile has largely been on his work as an economist and policy commentator, with personal details taking a backseat in the media.
Leith van Onselen’s Media Appearances and Public Engagement
In addition to his writing and analysis, Leith van Onselen is also an active participant in the broader media landscape. He frequently contributes to podcasts, radio programs, and online discussions on a range of economic and policy issues. One notable podcast appearance was on the Post-Growth Australia Podcast, where he discussed the implications of economic policies and the Australian government’s approach to public services like the NDIS.
Leith is also active on social media, particularly Twitter/X, where he shares his thoughts on economic trends, housing issues, and immigration policy. His social media presence allows him to engage directly with his followers and contribute to ongoing public debates on economic matters.
Conclusion
Leith van Onselen is a highly respected figure in the Australian economic and policy landscape. With a career spanning multiple prestigious institutions, including the Australian and Victorian Treasuries and Goldman Sachs, Leith has earned a reputation for his data-driven analysis and candid critiques of public policy. His work at MacroBusiness has cemented his position as a leading commentator on housing, immigration, and economic issues, and his personal experiences with disability have added a layer of depth to his critique of Australia’s disability support systems.
Although Leith is often associated with his views on housing and immigration, his broader economic commentary and advocacy for more sustainable public policies continue to make him a significant voice in Australian public discourse. His non-mainstream views, particularly on immigration and economic growth, ensure that his analyses remain relevant and provocative, challenging both policymakers and the public to rethink their approach to Australia’s future.