Economy

CEDA CEO update: 17 August 2020

CEDA work continues through public program and behind the scenes.

Most of our members will be familiar with CEDA’s public program of work focused on tackling important economic, social and policy issues (see below for the latest events, podcasts and blogs), but you may be less familiar with the work we do behind the scenes to influence key issues. This week I thought it would be helpful to provide an update on some of that work and activity.

Next month the team will be presenting to a Senate Committee hearing on immigration, following our report last year on the Effects of temporary migration, which continues to attract significant interest. 

The COVID crisis has shown how quickly and effectively Australia’s digital business and service delivery opportunities can grow and transform and CEDA is keen to make the most of these lessons and opportunities.

As some of you would be aware, we have been reaching out to a variety of members for input into our digitisation of human services report as one important avenue for change. We look forward to releasing this report next month.

We have also been presenting economic analysis in response to member requests. Last week CEDA Chief Economist, Jarrod Ball presented to Deakin University MBA students on the economic impacts of COVID-19, providing an overview of the impact by demographic, state and industry and also looking at what the economy may look like on the other side. You can check out Jarrod’s presentation here – it provides a great snapshot of the current environment. Our economics team can provide economic outlook and tailored briefings for members upon request, particularly in this time when there is increased demand for independent economic insight. If you would like to discuss further, please contact the team here.

Here’s the latest on our public program of material to help keep you up to date:

Watch:

This week defence and Queensland are the focus of our livestreams, with two Federal Ministers and the Queensland Premier scheduled to speak.

On Wednesday, we have Australia’s defence future, with Federal Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds and Federal Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Melissa Price. Register here.

Then on Thursday we have a hybrid event with the Queensland Premier, the Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk for a Queensland State of the State. Register for the livestream here.

We also have a strong program delving into key issues coming up over the next few weeks. Some of these events include:

Social housing
Prioritising social and affordable housing will be the focus of a livestream on Tuesday 25 August with Landcom CEO, John Brogden AM, First State Super (becoming Aware Super as of September 2020) Chief Investment Officer, Damian Graham and Brisbane Housing Company CEO, Rebecca Oelkers. Register here.

Economic update
On Wednesday 26 August, NAB Group Chief Economist, Alan Oster will present an economic update. Register here.

Energy
A livestream on A new technology roadmap – from what to how will be on Thursday 27 August and will examine Australia’s future energy mix and how the current disruption may drive new investment for critical technologies as the nation focuses on economic recovery. Register here.

Border Force
Australian Border Force Commissioner, Michael Outram APM, will speak on Supporting our recovery through strong border management, on Thursday, 10 September. Register here.

Climate change
Climate in recovery: building back better will be held on Friday, 11 September with Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio and United Kingdom Government, High Level Climate Action Champion, Nigel Topping. Register here.

Innovation
An event on Digital innovation and productivity, with CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Larry Marshall, NBN Co CEO, Stephen Rue and AustCyber CEO, Michelle Price will be held on Monday, 14 September. Register here.

Listen:

We’ve got a couple of great podcasts from the last week. For The greater good, I spoke with Minderoo Fire Fund CEO, Adrian Turner. The Minderoo Foundation has committed $70 million to rebuild communities, revitalise local economies and develop a long-term blueprint for wildfire and disaster resilience. The Fire Fund is taking a mission-led approach and Adrian outlines his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities to co-create solutions to tackle our biggest challenges. 

On The Economists’ Corner, we have a WA focus, with CEDA Chief Economist, Jarrod Ball speaking with ACIL Allen Consulting Executive Director, John Nicolaou, to discuss the hard border closure in WA, the resilience of the mining sector and the stability it provides the state, and how the tourism industry is adapting to the pandemic.
 
Read:

O
ut today on the CEDA blog is a piece from AlphaBeta Managing Director, Australia, Toby Brennan, and Engagement Manager, Sriram Srikumar, on recent research their firm completed with the Climate Council on the economic case for a clean jobs recovery plan. Read more here.

Also out today, Director of the Unison Housing Research Lab at RMIT, Professor Guy Johnson; Deputy Director, Dr Juliet Watson; and Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dr Sarah Taylor discuss the findings of their recent evaluation of the Victorian Government's Private Rental Assistance Program, which shows the private rental market has a role to play in reducing homelessness. Read more here.

As mentioned last week we will profile some of the leadership team and their programs and priorities. To kick this off, check out this profile of CEDA Chief Economist, Jarrod Ball, and the program priorities he and the team are currently working on.
 
As always, a big thank you to our renewing members:

National Members
Stellar

State Members
QBE Insurance (NSW)
Perpetual (WA)
WA Department of the Premier and Cabinet (WA)
TransGrid (NSW)

Until next week, stay safe.
 

About CEDA

CEDA – the Committee for Economic Development of Australia – is an independent, not-for-profit membership organisation.

We identify policy issues that matter for Australia’s future. We work to drive policies that deliver better economic, social and environmental outcomes for Australia. We deliver on our purpose by: Leveraging insights from our members to identify and understand the most important issues Australia faces. Facilitating collaboration and idea sharing to invoke imaginative, innovative and progressive policy solutions. Providing a platform to stimulate thinking, raise new ideas and debate critical and challenging issues. Influencing decision makers in government, business and the community by delivering objective information and expert analysis and advocating in support of our positions. CEDA's membership spans every state and territory and includes Australia's leading businesses, community organisations, government departments and academic institutions. The organisation was founded in 1960 by leading economist Sir Douglas Copland, and his legacy of applying economic analysis to practical problems to aid the development of Australia continues as we celebrate 60 years of influence, reform and impact across the nation.;