While COVID-19 put a stop to that, it did deliver yet another first for me – the virtual Easter egg hunt! Not quite the same but we all managed to get in the spirit of it and share some fun. ​

On a more serious note, it is important to make the most of the current circumstances. In that spirit, CEDA continues to deliver a busy program of livestream events, podcasts and blogs.  We are addressing issues as diverse as how better incorporating technology into Australia's healthcare system can prepare us for the next global pandemic; the impacts of coronavirus on the resources sector; the precarious situation that sporting clubs find themselves in and the adjustments they will need to make to survive; and the importance of India-Australia trade in the post-coronavirus world. I think there is something for everyone in our new and upcoming content. 

Pleasingly, our livestream events continue to be well subscribed. Thank you for your support and participation. A reminder that tickets for these online events are free to CEDA members, and low cost tickets are available to non-members.

CEDA’s program of new and upcoming content includes:

Watch: This week’s livestream, The economic implications of COVID-19, is on Thursday 16 April. We will be asking leading Australian economists how the crisis is reshaping the macroeconomic outlook, the implications for Australia’s domestic economy, and exploring what impact recent government stimulus packages will have in the short- and long-term. 
Speakers include:

• HSBC Chief Economist, Paul Bloxham;
• BIS Oxford Economics Chief Economist, Sarah Hunter;
• Deloitte Access Economics Partner, Nicki Hutley; and
• CEDA Chief Economist, Jarrod Ball.

You can register here.

Please also keep an eye on the events page of our website as we have a pipeline of livestream events currently being planned.

You can also watch on-demand videos from the livestreams held last week including:

• 2020 resources update
• Healthcare - technology driven transformation

Read: the CEDA blog has been exploring issues through the lens of COVID-19 and how we can learn, adapt and grow from the current crisis.

Today we have released a piece by ANU Australia Centre on China in the World Director, Professor Jane Golley, on Australia, China and COVID-19: dependency in a crisis. Jane’s blog explores why our trading relationship with China will be our greatest strength emerging from the downturn as China's vast economic resources are already fast tracking its recovery.

In Healthcare in post-coronavirus Australia, Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering CEO, Kylie Walker, explains how better incorporating technology into Australia's healthcare system can prepare us for the next global pandemic. You can read more here.

Also on the Blog, COVID-19 has hit Australia's professional sports leagues hard. University of Melbourne Truby Williams Professor of Economics (and CEDA Board member), Jeff Borland, explains the precarious situation that sporting clubs find themselves in and discusses the adjustments they will need to make to survive in, How will professional sports leagues survive COVID-19? Find out more here.

Looking further afield, this year was set to be a crucial milestone in Indian and Australian trade relations, marked by the Prime Minister's scheduled visit to India and a significant trade delegation in February. In Australia and India: deeper relations are essential for business growth, Asialink Business Associate Director, Strategy and Capability, Shiraz Engineer, writes that while COVID-19 has understandably changed our priorities, we should not lose sight of the importance of Indian Australian trade in the post-coronavirus world. You can find out more here.

In COVID-19 and the environmental services sector, Arcadis Business Leader - Environment, Brad Searle, surveys the risks and opportunities that the COVID-19 crisis presents for the environmental services sector. You can read more here.

We also explore Managing your mental health while working from home, with the help of Australian Catholic University Institute of Positive Psychology and Education Professor, Joseph Ciarrochi, who shares practical advice on coping with the many adjustments that COVID-19 has forced us to make. You can read more here.

Finally, a big thanks to our renewing members. The team and I greatly appreciate your ongoing support for and commitments to CEDA. Our renewing members this week are:

• DXC (NAT)
• HESTA (NAT)
• Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Communications (ACT)
• Electoral Commission of QLD (QLD)
• Delta Electricity (NSW)
• Work Safe Victoria (VIC)
• Hilton Adelaide (SA)

Thank you also to the wider CEDA membership and community for your support and continued engagement during these challenging times.

CEDA is now very much focusing on the future and we look forward to continuing to engage with you on the critical discussions that are needed to shape policy.

Regards for now,

Melinda Cilento