11 October 2016: Australia’s most respected and renowned economic commentator Saul Eslake, will discuss the future of the Australian economy at a University of Canberra public lecture TOMORROW.
In the address, hosted by the University’s National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM), Mr Eslake will review Australia’s current economic situation, following the end of the mining boom and a slowdown in the Chinese economy.
“We are at an odd point for our economy and how we move ahead will require some deft management from government and a healthy sprinkling of luck as well,” Mr Eslake said.
“It’s an odd time because depending on who you speak to, and when, you will get very different views on our economic position,” he added.
“We’ve experienced almost 25 years of economic growth and GDP continues to grow at about three per cent. The jobless rate is still low; in fact in August it was at its lowest point in three years, so there’s strength in the labour force too.”
Mr Eslake said Australia has been nimble enough to adapt to changes in China and profit from the Asian powerhouse’s falling minerals demand, and its increasing desire for agricultural commodities and education.
“Despite all this, there’s a lingering sense of tough times in Australia and as a country we’ve been unable to shake it for some time,” he said.
Mr Eslake is an independent economist and academic with the University of Tasmania. He’s previously served as the Chief Economist with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and ANZ Banking Group.
NATSEM is part of the University of Canberra’s Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis. For over 20 years, NATSEM has been one of Australia’s leading economic and social policy research centres. It is regarded as one of the world’s foremost centres of excellence for microsimulation, economic modelling and policy evaluation.
- Interviews with Mr Eslake can be arranged upon request
WHAT: NATSEM Public Lecture - The future of the Australian economy by economist Saul Eslake
WHEN: Wednesday 12 October, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
WHERE: Members Dining Room, Old Parliament House, Parkes ACT
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362
Marcus Butler: 0438 447 810