Latest News
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.
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)
ACE 2026 - Hold the Date
ACE 2026 will be held in Canberra, ACT from 7-10 July 2026 at University of Canberra.
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 (996)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
Is Australia’s housing crisis really just about boosting supply?
Event Type: ESA Event
Date: Wednesday Feb 4, 2026, 12:30 pm
Join Professor Peter Abelson as he presents his latest work on the NSW Government’s new housing policies and what they mean for communities in Sydney and across the state.
In this session, Peter Abelson examines why additional dwellings may only have marginal price effects and challenges the idea that Australia’s housing crisis is simply about boosting supply.
This is a hybrid event - join in-person at 123 Pitt St, Sydney or Online.
Please let us know how you plan to attend when registering.
View...
Why do people make choices that look “irrational”?
Event Type: ESA Event
Date: Wednesday Feb 18, 2026, 12:30 pm
Professor Tymula will examine why people often make financial choices that look “irrational” - avoiding the stock market, struggling with complex offers, or freezing when there are too many options - even when they want to do better? Professor Tymula will share the research from her groups suggesting that many of these behaviours are not flaws in our character or preferences, but the predictable result of how a limited brain tries to navigate a complicated economic world.
This is a hybrid event - join in-person at 123 Pitt St, Sydney or Online. Please let us know how you plan to attend when registering.
The timing of this event is AEDT (SYD/CBR/MEL)
View...
WEN-NSW Coffee Roulette - 2026
Event Type: Women in Economics Event
Date: Thursday Feb 19, 2026, 12:00 am
We are thrilled to announce the 2026 edition of the NSW Women in Economics Network (WEN) Coffee Roulette program. After a successful inaugural run in 2024, we are excited to continue this initiative designed to strengthen connections and foster a vibrant community among women economists in NSW.
View...
IEA World Congress, Belgrade
Event Type: Partner Event
Date: Monday Jun 22, 2026, 12:00 am
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.

