Latest News
Vale Emeritus Professor John Nevile,
John was one of Australia’s most distinguished economists, with an international reputation. He made outstanding contributions and pioneering work across numerous fields, including developing the first econometric model of the Australian economy, making significant contributions to our understanding of fiscal policy and of growth theory, as well as his fundamental insights into labour markets and into the causes of and cures for unemployment.
ACE 2026
ACE 2026 was held in Canberra, ACT from 7-10 July 2026 at University of Canberra and covered a full range of topical economic issues. It was targeted at economists in academe, government and business and covered Climate change and environmental externalities; Challenges in social policy; How government can best implement policies in an environment of declining trust and misinformation; and Contemporary economic issues such as raising productivity and tax reform. The conference featured plenary sessions with international speakers and concurrent sessions with domestic presenters.
Productivity in Federal Budget
Poll 69
'Skills, competition, infrastructure': top economists tell Chalmers what belongs in his productivity package. Top economists want Treasurer Jim Chalmers to spend his 12 May Budget fixing the supply side of the Australian economy.
Responses (46)An Evolving Record
A Centennial History of The Economic Society of Australia, Alex Millmow
This centennial history of the Economic Society of Australia is much more than an administrative record. It’s the story of how the Society has evolved since 1925 against a background of rapidly changing trends in the Australian economics profession and profound changes within the economy.
Book Reviews: Paul Oslington | Leonora Risse
Up-skilling is the best way to boost productivity: leading economists
Poll 68
Australia's top economists overwhelmingly believe there’s no better way to boost productivity than to boost skills. Offered a choice of seven measures identified by the Economic Society of Australia as candidates for achieving the Treasurer’s aim of boosting Australia’s historically low rate of productivity growth, 26 of the 45 economists polled picked boosting skills and workforce capability, almost twice as many as picked the next most-popular option: promoting innovation and research and development.
Responses (43)Awards 2025
A number of prestigious awards were bestowed upon worthy economists at ACE2025 which held in Sydney during July.
Economists eye costs of a failed energy transition
Poll 67
Poll finds support for aligning net zero, reliability and price,
Peter Martin
Responses (43)Invitation to Participate in Survey for Economic Society of Australia (ESA) NSW Branch
Survey closed on 15 June 2025. The NSW Branch will be reviewing the findings from the survey over the coming months
CBA Forum - catch up on the recordings
If you missed the ESA NSW Branch Cost Benefit Analysis Forum this year, you can catch up on the recordings. Visit this page.
Events
Food Price Inflation and Cost Challenges in the US Food System: Insights for Australia
Event Type: co-hosted event
Date: Thursday Jul 16, 2026, 12:30 pm
🍎 Food prices surged around the world after COVID; but what’s really driving food inflation?
🌾 Join Ricky Volpe, economist at Cal Poly and former USDA researcher, as he explores the forces shaping food prices across global supply chains.
💡 Learn how labour, energy, transport and global disruptions affect food affordability in Australia and beyond.
This event is brought to you by AARES
How Economists can Communicate with Clarity and Impact
Event Type: ESA Event
Date: Thursday Jul 16, 2026, 5:00 pm
🎤 Join us for a conversation with Katrina Ell, Vice President - Senior Economist, Mastercard ANZ
👥🛠️ This discussion will explore how economists can communicate with clarity and influence; covering economic storytelling in fast-paced market environments, communicating complex ideas to broad audiences, and navigating career opportunities beyond traditional economics roles.
🍹Networking over light refreshments following the discussion
Limited Places!
View...Eminent Speaker Series: Prof. Leah Boustan - ONLINE ONLY
Event Type: ESA Event
Date: Wednesday Jul 22, 2026, 8:00 am
Where are the streets of gold? Intergenerational mobility of immigrants across destination countries.
This talk will introduce patterns for intergenerational mobility of the children of immigrants across fifteen destination countries. In most destinations, the daughters of immigrants experience higher mobility than daughters of locals. Sons of immigrants enjoy an advantage in Anglosphere destinations (including Australia) but not in continental Europe.
View...
AfterWork Drinks Papers in the Pub 23rd July
Event Type: ESA Event
Date: Thursday Jul 23, 2026, 5:30 pm
Join us for Papers in the Pub in July; brought to you by The Young Economists Network (YEN)
Hear about new research and share a drink with old and new friends
For the first of our Papers in the Pub series, Dominic Behrens (The CIE), Matthew Maltman and Theo Gibbons (e61 Institute) will present their brand-new research: What Local Land Use Reform Does, and Doesn’t, Do.
Drink on arrival for the first 20 people! You must register first.
View...Cost Benefit Analysis Forum 2026
Event Type: ESA Event
Date: Tuesday Sep 8, 2026, 8:15 am
🔎 Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) is a key tool for supporting evidence-based decision making and ensuring public accountability.
🟦 Following last year’s AI-themed forum, this year’s CBA Forum explores the Art and Science of Cost-Benefit Analysis.
🔢 Moving beyond the numbers, the forum will explore how practitioners can apply CBA in new contexts, assess its strengths and limitations, value costs and benefits, and communicate evidence-based insights to decision makers.
🔷Alongside established experts, the program will feature emerging practitioners bringing fresh perspectives to the evolving practice of CBA.
View...Welcome
Welcome to the New South Wales Branch of the Economic Society of Australia
The NSW Branch of the Economic Society of Australia was formed in 1925, making it one of the most established professional associations in Australia. The rich history of activities continues, and with a strong membership, it is the largest of the state branches in Australia.
