Michael Pascoe is a veteran Australian journalist specializing in economic policy, corporate accountability, and political governance. As a contributing editor for The New Daily, his work combines forensic analysis of institutional power with a commitment to public interest storytelling.
“Journalism is the antidote to power’s tendency to corrupt—but only if we ask the uncomfortable questions.”
With over four decades of experience, Michael Pascoe has cemented his reputation as one of Australia’s most authoritative voices on economics, politics, and corporate governance. His incisive commentary blends rigorous analysis with accessible storytelling, making complex financial and policy issues relatable to broad audiences. Currently a contributing editor at The New Daily, Pascoe’s work spans television, print, and digital platforms, including regular appearances on ABC’s The Drum and Channel 7’s Sunrise.
This critique of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s inertia amid slowing inflation and economic uncertainty highlights Pascoe’s ability to dissect institutional failures. He argues that the RBA’s reliance on outdated metrics like the “trimmed mean” inflation measure risks exacerbating unemployment and stagnation. By contrasting the RBA’s caution with global market trends, Pascoe underscores the human cost of monetary policy delays, particularly for mortgage holders and small businesses.
Pascoe scrutinizes the standoff between insurer NIB and St Vincent’s Health Australia, revealing systemic flaws in Australia’s privatized healthcare model. He demonstrates how profit-driven insurance schemes often prioritize shareholder returns over patient care, using billing disputes to illustrate broader inequities. The article advocates for policy reforms to align insurer incentives with public health outcomes, reflecting Pascoe’s focus on corporate accountability.
Examining the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s struggles to address large-scale graft, Pascoe questions the political will to combat white-collar crime. He cites case studies of infrastructure and defense contracting irregularities, arguing for stronger whistleblower protections and resourcing. This piece exemplifies his commitment to transparent governance.
Pascoe prioritizes stories that connect macroeconomic trends to everyday Australians. Pitches should explore topics like interest rate impacts on housing affordability or wage stagnation in essential industries. For example, his RBA critique [6] links monetary policy to household budgets, making technical subjects relatable.
He seeks underreported cases of fiscal mismanagement, such as cost overruns in public projects or opaque public-private partnerships. The NACC analysis [2] demonstrates his interest in accountability mechanisms, so pitches could highlight local government audits or procurement irregularities.
Pascoe frequently challenges concentrated corporate influence, particularly in healthcare and banking. The health insurance exposé [9] model pitches on sectors like aged care or energy, where profit motives conflict with community needs.
“The Summertime of Our Dreams” (Ultimo Press, 2023)
Pascoe’s memoir blends personal narrative with media industry insights, earning acclaim for its candid exploration of journalism’s evolving role in democracy. While not a traditional award, its inclusion in academic syllabi underscores its cultural impact.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Politics, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
