Getting to Grips with the Economy - Public Information Series

Getting to Grips with the Economy – Public Information Series

The global economic situation in 2009 is complex and rapidly changing. It has been the subject of much debate and examination internationally, but what do we really know about the implications for Australia now and in the future?

The Whitlam Institute and the University of Western Sydney School of Economics and Finance are presenting a series of topical, educational forums to help increase understanding and debate about the state of the Australian economy, the implications for us all, and what Australia's economic options are in the context of the continuing and dramatic global economic turmoil.

Bringing together leading economists with a wide range of backgrounds and viewpoints, Getting to Grips with the Economy will present up-to-date information to inform community discussion and debate. These forums provide a chance to engage with key economic decision makers and commentators:

Australia's Economy: Staying afloat in the global storm Tuesday 26 May 5-7pm

The Global Financial Crisis or GFC has entered the language but what does it all mean? This opening session of the series provides an overview of the Australian economy and of the challenges confronting it especially, but not solely, as a result of the global financial crisis. It examines the key elements of the Australian economy – the history, structure, policy determinants, changes and challenges of the past 25 years.

Keynote Speaker:

David Gruen, Executive Director, Macroeconomic Group, Australian Treasury

Respondent:

Ross Gittins, Economics Editor, The Sydney Morning Herald

Hitting Home: The Domestic Impacts of Economic Re-Alignment Thursday 18 June 5-7pm

How do we really know if and when we are better off? This session examines the implications for individuals, workers and households of the emerging economic environment in Australia - taxation, labour market participation, housing, debt, ageing, fertility, gender and income distribution.

Keynote Speaker:

Professor Patricia Apps, Professor of Public Economics and Director of Research, Faculty of Law, University of Sydney

Respondents:

Professor Bob Gregory, Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University

Professor Raja Junanker, School of Economics and Finance, University of Western Sydney

New Times – New Approaches: exploring Australia’s economic options Thursday 23 July 5-7pm

What awaits the Australian economy beyond the GFC? This session takes the opportunity to debate whether it should be a case of doing what we've done but better, or whether we really need to pursue new options for strengthening Australia's economy.

This final session provides an opportunity for bold thought and discussion about the policy decisions and immediate actions that need to be considered and adopted amidst the dramas and uncertainties of the global economy by Australian governments, businesses and individuals.

Keynote Speaker:

Professor John Quiggin, Federation Fellow in Economics and Political Science, University of Queensland

Respondents:

Associate Professor Steve Keen from the UWS School of Economics and Finance

Dr Guy Debelle, Assistant Governor (Financial Markets), Reserve Bank of Australia

Venue: Riverside Theatres, Corner Church and Market Streets, Parramatta

Bookings:

riversideparramatta.com.au

Phone: +61 2 8839 3399

Individual Session: $10.00

Seats are limited, so please book early.

School group bookings can be made by contacting the Whitlam Institute directly on 02 9685 9187.

More information

www.whitlam.org

Phone: +61 2 9685 9187