It is one of a suite of units in economic history and institutional economics and is an important component of the BEc and BCom degrees. The unit gives students an historical perspective on contemporary economic institutions. Its main theme is the ways in which government, business and interest groups have interacted in the development of the Australian economy. It considers the Constitution and the economic functions of government, and the main regulatory institutions concerned with the labour market, rural production, industry and competition policy, public and private finance, and international economic relations.