This is a survey of ESA NSW Branch stakeholders, which is being conducted by the branch Council. 

The Council welcomes responses from both current members, and non-members.

In inviting you to spend a little time and effort to complete the survey (under 10 minutes), we are appealing to the public spiritedness of stakeholders. This is your opportunity to support the economics profession. There will be a positive externality associated with every completed survey.

>>Survey linked here<<

Purpose of the Survey:

The purpose of the survey is:

• Help maintain the relevance of the NSW ESA
• Improve engagement with members and promote the Society to prospective members
• Improve quality of information on the characteristics of current and potential members
• Provide guidance to assist our program of activities and ensure its value  to stakeholders
• Encourage greater participation in the ESA’s activities, and in the operation of the Society

Background – ESA and its objectives:

The NSW Branch of the Economic Society of Australia was formed in 1925. The ESA is celebrating its centenary this year. It is one of the most long-standing professional associations in Australia.

The ESA does not have a professional regulation role. No specific qualification or experience is required to become a member of the ESA. The ESA welcomes membership, and attendance at our events, by anyone interested in contemporary economic issues and debate.

The ESA is a volunteer run organisation and does not employ any full time staff. The current membership of the NSW Branch is around 600. The ESA has limited resources and generally tries to run functions on a cost recovery basis.

The ESA seeks to promote and encourage stronger links and engagement within the economics profession. In particular the ESA is seeking to bridge the actual/perceived divide between academic economists and applied economists (including public policy). The ESA notes that the current incentive structure for academic economists does not reward participation in professional bodies such as the ESA.

The objectives of the Society since its founding in 1925 are to:

• encourage the study of economics,
• investigate local and general economic problems,
• prepare digests of information on current developments, and
• publish a journal.

Consistent with this, through engaging seminars, a range of educational events and conferences, the Society aims to:

• encourage informed public debate on important economic issues
• promote the teaching and study of economics and its application in Australia
• assist in the training and professional development of economists

With regard to the latter, we note:

• falling numbers of undergraduate students are majoring in economics
• falling numbers of school students are studying economics, which is particularly acute in the public school system
• a lack of diversity amongst economics students

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