Getting to Grips with the Economy

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 presented a series of topical, educational forums at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta 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.

 

These forums provided a chance for people in Greater Western Sydney and beyond to engage with key economic decision-makers and commentators.

 

All presentations are available to view on the Whitlam Institute YouTube Channel, and a DVD-ROM of the series which includes speakers’ powerpoint presentations is available for purchase for $25.00 (incl. GST).

Getting to Grips with the Economy DVD-ROM

 

 



 

The Whitlam Institute is grateful to Riverside Theatres for its support of this series.


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Series speakers and session information:

 

Session 1: Australia’s Economy: Staying afloat in the global storm

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:
Dr David Gruen, Executive Director, Macroeconomic Group, Australian Treasury

Respondent:
Ross Gittins AM, Economics Editor, The Sydney Morning Herald
 

 

Session 2: Hitting Home: The domestic impacts of economic re-alignment
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.

 

Speakers:

Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service
Professor Robert Fagan, Emeritus Professor of Human Geography;  Adjunct Professor, Macquarie University Centre for Re

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

 

Session 3: New Times – New Approaches: exploring Australia’s economic options

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 doing it better, or whether we 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 by Australian governments, businesses and individuals amidst the dramas and uncertainties of the global economy.


Keynote Speaker:
Professor John Quiggin, Australian Research Council Federation Fellow in Economics and Political Science, University of Queensland

Respondents:
Associate Professor Steve Keen, School of Economics and Finance, University of Western Sydney
Dr Guy Debelle, Assistant Governor (Financial Markets), Reserve Bank of Australia


Watch highlights of Session 1 and Session 2 on the ABC Fora Website and Session 3 on the SlowTV website.

 

All sessions are available in full on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/whitlamuws