Latest News
ACE 2026 - Register Now
ACE 2026 will be held in Canberra, ACT from 7-10 July 2026 at University of Canberra and will cover a full range of topical economic issues. It is targeted at economists in academe, government and business and will cover 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 will feature 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
The Invisible Mind - The Economics of AI
Event Type: ESA Event
Date: Wednesday Jun 17, 2026, 8:30 am
🚀 This flagship event brings together leading economists, policymakers and industry experts to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the economy.
✨ Moving beyond the hype, the conference explores AI’s impacts on productivity, jobs, markets and public policy.
🍺🍸 Connect with peers and industry leaders throughout the day, and over networking drinks at this in-person event
Sold Out. You may join the wait list by emailing admin@esansw.org.au
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IEA World Congress, Belgrade
Event Type: Partner Event
Date: Monday Jun 22, 2026, 12:00 am
How people perceive and respond to climate risk
Event Type: ESA Event
Date: Wednesday Jun 24, 2026, 12:30 pm
🌏 Climate change is reshaping risks across our economy and communities — but how accurately do people perceive those risks?
🧠 Join Omid Ghasemi, behavioural scientist at UNSW's Institute for Climate Risk & Response, as he explores why climate risk perceptions often differ from expert assessments.
💡 Learn how personal experience, emotions and cognitive biases shape climate risk perceptions, and what this means for communication, policy and adaptation.
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Deal or No Deal? Designing Household Investment Policies for Impact and Equity
Event Type: ESA Event
Date: Wednesday Jul 1, 2026, 12:30 pm
🔋 Governments are increasingly using incentives to encourage household investments; but what makes these programs effective and fair?
🏠 Join Rohan Best as he explores how policy design shapes investment outcomes, cost effectiveness and inequality.
💡 Drawing on recent research and examples such as the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, discover how smarter incentives can deliver greater impact and equity.
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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!
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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.
