This economics assignment analyzes several key aspects of the Australian economy. Question 1 examines the impact of Middle East hostilities on petrol and passenger car markets, as well as the influence of electric vehicles. Question 2 assesses the impact of government initiatives promoting higher education on the labor force and economic growth, including a discussion of production possibility frontiers and determinants of economic growth. Question 3 explores the effects of sales tax on cigarettes and coffee, considering demand elasticity, and analyzes the market structure of Coles and Woolworths as an oligopoly. The assignment incorporates diagrams and economic principles to illustrate the concepts discussed, and provides references to support the analysis.