I completely disagree with Gigi Foster and Paul Frijter& #39;s prescription for dealing with coronavirus. But categorically defend their right to make their argument.

Bizarrely, Australia has two extreme economic views of epidemic policy. One is Foster/Frijters econ. brand, effectively arguing that we ignore epidemiology. The other from economists supporting pure epidemiology without economics. So...whats wrong with Ecs and Eps talking??

Australian economics should ignore self-appointed Prefects who try to claim the high ground as to what is acceptable argument. We must debate our way to better policy, and that calls for intellectual openness, not a priesthood.

Case in point is the opening-up debate is happening elsewhere in world economics. Here is a paper exploring ways to open up the economy accounting for the virus (not an endorsement) https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3580626">https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/pape...