From: Wednesday September 2, 2026, 12:30 pm
To: Wednesday September 2, 2026, 1:30 pm
This presentation offers a preview of the themes and ideas that will be explored at The Art and Science of Cost-Benefit Analysis Forum on 8 September 2026. Designed as a non-technical introduction, it is ideal for those planning to attend the Forum, as well as anyone who is curious about cost-benefit analysis and its role in informing better public policy.
The session will provide a preview of the Forum's program while drawing connections to July's The Invisible Mind: The Economics of AI Conference and last year's AI-focused Cost-Benefit Analysis Forum 2025. Along the way, it will explore how these conversations intersect and raise thought-provoking questions about the future of economics, the evolving role of cost-benefit analysis, and the challenges and opportunities facing the profession.
About the Speaker
Robert Smith is an independent economist, a long-term council member of the ESA NSW branch and chairs the Society’s CBA Forums.
With over 40 years’ experience in management consulting, banking and finance, infrastructure, transport and energy sectors he has explore areas as diverse as research reactors, crony capitalism, $B infrastructure, dog worming, energy efficiency, cricket promotion and supported employment for people with disabilities. He is passionate about using economics to find creative, efficient, and practical solutions that can be explained with clear and compelling stories. He believes in the power of good, applied economics - including pragmatic, robust cost benefit analysis - to prompt better questions and support better decisions.
Details and Registration
| Date: | Wednesday 2 September 2026 |
| Time: | Arrive at 12.15, 12.30pm start until 1.30pm (AEST) |
| Cost: | Free for Members, Students (and Guests of Members) / $10 for Non-Members (click here to join now) |
| Venue: |
(In-Person) Macquarie University City Campus - 123 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000. Please let us know in the registration whether you will be attending in-person or via Microsoft Teams |
Click here to Book Online
Macquarie University City Campus. Please see reception on Level 24 upon arrival.
Level 24, 123 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000