The Economic and Political Overview 2020 looks at the key issues likely to shape economic and political outcomes in the year ahead, including:
- aged care;
- fiscal policy;
- data ethics;
- the UK and Australia after Brexit;
- Australia's relationship with the US; and
- international climate change policy.
The 2020 report features contributions from:
Economic Overview
Michael Blythe, Chief Economist and Managing Director, Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Opening the Economic and Political Overview Michael Blythe notes that in Australia, while the downturn in residential construction activity and ongoing consumer restraint has amplified the uncertainties created by trade and geopolitical tensions, growth rates are a long way from recession and inflation is low, meaning that overall there are small gains in real terms.
Political Overview
Peter van Onselen, Political Editor, Network 10 and Professor of Politics, University of Western Australia and Griffith University.
Exploring Australia's political landscape, Peter van Onselen says the fallout from the recent bushfires, both in terms of how they were handled and the management of the recovery, alongside the broader economic challenges the year presents, will keep the government on its political toes in 2020.
Fiscal policy
Grant Wardel Johnson, Lead Tax Partner, KPMG Economics and Tax Centre
Examining the calls for fiscal stimulus against a softening economy and the budget surplus, Grant Wardel Johnson explores the challenges Australia will face in 2020.
Aged care
Peter Harris, Research Advisor, CEDA
Ahead of the findings of the Aged Care Royal Commission, Peter Harris examines policy responses and funding and what is needed to ensure quality affordable aged care on a sustainable basis.
Data ethics
Sarah Kaur, Partner and COO, Portable
Rounding out the domestic policy chapter is a section on the emerging area of data ethics and how it will shape policy in 2020. The chapter examines how new technologies present considerable opportunities to boost innovation and consumer convenience in the Australian economy but are critically dependent on having the right data and trust in the community.
Europe, the UK and Australia after Brexit
Professor Philomena Murray, Professor and Jean Monnet Chair ad personam School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne
From an international policy perspective, Professor Philomena Murray explores how Britain, the European Union, and trading partners like Australia, will adjust after Brexit, as well as examining what other opportunities exist to maintain strong trade and investment links in the future across the European Union.
The US, Australia and the presidential election
Professor Simon Jackman, Chief Executive Officer, United States Studies Centre
Looking across the pond, the US election will dominate 2020 and shape the geopolitical outlook for coming years. This year’s report examines who the Democratic frontrunners are, and how the Presidential race will evolve over 2020 amidst economic uncertainty, trade tensions and the recent impeachment. The report will also look at what this means for the rest of the world.
International climate change policy
Martijn Wilder AM, Founding Partner Pollination
Martijn Wilder international climate change policy asking where we stand on international climate change policy, commitments and action and asking what progress has been made from Kyoto to now, as well as what the implications are of the latest discussions at COP25.
Related content
Video:
Watch EPO2020 in Sydney with speakers former Prime Minister the Hon. Kevin Rudd AC and a panel of senior economic and political analysts including NSW-Federal Financial Relations Review, Chair, David Thodey AO; Centre for Policy Development, Chair, Terry Moran AC; Nous Principal, Tanya Smith; The Australian Financial Review National Affairs Columnist, Jennifer Hewett; IMD Business School Professor of Finance, Auturo Bris; Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Chief Economist and Managing Director, Michael Blythe.
Watch EPO2020 in Brisbane with speakers CEDA Chief Economist, Jarrod Ball; Commonwealth Bank Chief Economist and Managing Director, Michael Blythe; Edelman Australia Chief Client and Operations Officer, Kate Ferguson; National Chairman, CEDA and Non-Executive Director, AGL Energy and Wesfarmers Limited, Diane Smith-Gander AO; Griffith Business School, Journalist and Professor of Politics, Dr Peter van Onselen.
Watch EPO2020 in Hobart with speakers Tasmanian Premier, the Hon. Peter Gutwein and Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Chief Economist and Managing Director, Michael Blythe.
Read:
ACT will be resilient and, in a position, to respond to challenges from Coronavirus and the bushfires | Canberra EPO news summary
Three big-picture themes shaping Australia’s global trade agenda in 2020 | Blog piece by Asialink Business CEO, Mukund Narayanamurti
Communities are key to solving some of Australia's big problems | Blog piece by Centre for Policy Development Chair, Terry Moran AC
Reform for a more effective Federation | NSW Review of Federal Financial Relations Chairman, David Thodey AO
EPO event series
Launched in Sydney, discussions were held across Australia to coincide with the release of the 2020 EPO report.
> Sydney | 12 February 2020 > Brisbane | 13 February 2020
> Canberra | 14 February 2020 > Townsville | 20 February 2020