The Economic and Political Overview is Australia's premier series of briefings on the Australian economy and politics for the year ahead.
CEDA members: Download the EPO here.
Non-members: Purchase the EPO here.
The 2011 EPO is released at a time when Australia is
experiencing political uncertainty and various governance
challenges. This is in a context of huge economic opportunities on
the back of external minerals-related demand, and resulting
sectoral, regional and population challenges. Our favourable terms
of trade are generating a booming but changing economy in an
uncertain world. These challenges have been increased by the
floods, in turn following a long and serious drought across much of
Australia.
Economic overview
Alan Oster, Economist, NAB Group and Ben Westmore, Economist, NAB
Group
Alan Oster and Ben Westmore analyse the gradual recovery from
the global financial crisis, but warn the Federal Government's
emphasis must now be on managing the upswing in the Australian
economy.
Political overview
Kenneth Wiltshire, JD Story Professor of Public
Administration,
University of Queensland Business School
A comprehensive review of a turbulent year in Australian
politics, from the fall of Kevin Rudd to the election of the
minority Labor Government now in Canberra - a Government facing
crucial policy decisions, from taxation and climate change to
population growth and water management.
A population policy for Australia
Jonathan Pincus, CEDA Policy and Research Council
Debate on Australia's future population needs is robust, and
Professor Pincus joins it by arguing economic immigration greatly
benefits optional immigrants, though some sections of the existing
population can be disadvantaged. This can be managed through
careful urban planning and good social, environmental and economic
policies.
Regionalism in economic policy
Michael Porter, National Director, CEDA Research and Policy
Australia needs to create an agency of government that looks at
regional issues, with secondments from key economic agencies, using
the best relevant economic and technical skills available, plus
Commonwealth and state treasuries, line departments and contracting
private sector players.