Chris Bowen warns against populist stances on immigration and trade

Shadow treasurer says automation and technology to blame for job losses and slow wage growth, not open economy

The shadow treasurer, Chris Bowen, has warned against erecting barriers to trade and immigration when automation and technology are more to blame for job losses and slow wage growth.

In a speech defending an open economy at the Crescent Institute on Wednesday, Bowen called for policies to combat inequality, which he said would help policymakers defend globalisation and its benefits.