CEO Update: Australia's policy debates must be informed by facts and analysis

Last week’s CEDA event with the RBA’s Chief Economist Sarah Hunter attracted a lot of attention, and provided something of a reality check on the state of the economy and plenty to think about.

Mindful of its dual mandate and the importance of maintaining employment gains, the RBA has been relatively cautious in efforts to rein in higher inflation. While confident that both its full employment and low and stable inflation outcomes can be achieved, the path will be more complicated. The RBA’s approach has differed from some other countries that have reduced inflation more quickly, but now see sharply higher unemployment.

With underlying inflation picking up in recent months, underpinned by strong price growth in housing and consumer goods, the RBA sees persistent tightness in the labour market and the economy running at or above capacity and requiring some tempering. The message is clear, we need to grow productive capacity to support a stronger economy and productivity remains the main game.

Just days into a new Opposition Leader and we are getting clear signals on policy priorities. Not surprisingly, immigration is front and centre. Followers of CEDA know that immigration has been an important issue on our agenda over many years. This reflects the important role that immigration has played in enabling Australia’s economic success over many decades.

As greater attention is focused on the costs and benefits of immigration, it is important that these debates are informed by analysis and facts, and that immigration does not become the scapegoat for multi-faceted challenges. CEDA has and will continue to advocate for a sustainable approach to immigration, one that balances a long-term approach and investments, with critical skills needs and community expectations. We look forward to remaining part of these important conversations in the months ahead.

Earlier this month, human rights activist and philanthropist Martin Luther King III’s visit to Australia brought powerful clarity to the important role that economic inclusion plays in enabling both a strong economy and strong social compact.

CEDA was pleased to partner with CareerTrackers in hosting Mr King, whose insights underscored that economic competitiveness, innovation and social equity and participation are not separate agendas, but interdependent foundations for future prosperity.

I was honoured to receive the Legacy and Leadership Award at CareerTrackers’ 2026 gala dinner. Congratulations to all award recipients for their outstanding contributions, including the impressive interns and alumni acknowledged on the night.

Our Navigating 2026 economic and political outlook series starts this week and takes place in capital cities around the country. Join us as we unpack the key forces shaping this year.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas will take to the CEDA stage in Adelaide on Wednesday to outline his vision for the future of the state at Vision for South Australia, ahead of next month’s state election.

Later this month, with Australia at a key juncture in its energy future, hear directly from sector leaders on how they are balancing supply, demand and security while planning for a resilient, sustainable energy future. Join us in Sydney for Energy Security NSW on February 24 or in Brisbane for Energy Security QLD on February 26.

And we are pleased to welcome Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King MP back to the CEDA stage in Melbourne on March 18, as she delivers a wide-ranging portfolio update and answers your questions.

To finish, I would like to warmly welcome Kirinari as new CEDA members. Thank you for joining us.