Emerging Economist Series 2026
The Emerging Economist Series (EES), hosted by the Economic Society of Australia (NSW Branch), connects emerging economists with senior policymakers and influential leaders shaping Australia’s economic future.
Past keynote speakers have included Prime Ministers, Treasurers, Foreign Ministers, Reserve Bank Governors, Premiers, Secretaries to the Treasury, and other senior leaders across government, business and academia. See the list below for more info.
Held at the RBA's H. C. Coombs Centre, each evening features a dinner-style fireside chat - an interview-format conversation where participants put their questions directly to the speaker, gaining candid insights into leadership, career pathways, and how economic policy is designed, communicated and delivered.
Gain direct access to senior policymakers and economic leaders including:
- 26 May - Diana Mousina (Deputy Chief Economist, AMP and Social Media star)
- 23 June - Richard Holden (Professor of Economics, UNSW Sydney)
- 25 Aug - Gladys Berejiklian (Former Premier of NSW and Optus Executive)
- 2 Nov - Guy Debelle (former Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of Australia)
📅 2026 Dates:
26 May | 23 June | 25 August | 2 November
⏰Time:
5.30pm - 8.00pm
5.30pm Registration and refreshments
6.00pm Dinner is served. Welcome by ESA NSW President, Professor David Orsmond
6.45pm Fireside chat and moderated discussion
7.15pm Closing Q&A
7.25pm Closing remarks
7.35–8.00pm Networking and Selfies
📍 Venue: RBA - H.C. Coombs Centre, 122A Kirribilli Avenue, Kirribilli, NSW 2061
Location: Corner of Kirribilli Avenue and Carabella Street, opposite Admiralty House. Accessible only via Carabella Street if driving
Transport: 20 minute walk from Milsons Point train station or 10 minutes from Kirribilli Wharf
💰 Cost: $400 for 4 dinners. Total Cost: $400
If for some reason you can't make one of the dinners, you may give your spot to someone else for that night.
Each event features a different keynote speaker, giving participants the opportunity to gain insights from leaders with diverse experience across government, academia and business.
Payment may be made by credit card or via EFT transfer. You will receive an invoice and receipt for payment. You may choose to "pay offline" and you will be sent an invoice which you can give to your employer to pay. Your place will not be secured until payment.
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Former Prime Ministers / Federal Ministers
- John Howard OM AC – 25th Former Prime Minister of Australia
- Bob Hawke AC – 23rd Former Prime Minister of Australia
- Paul Keating – 24th Former Prime Minister of Australia
Former Federal Ministers / Senior Federal Politicians
- Wayne Swan – Former Treasurer of Australia
- Peter Costello AC – Former Treasurer of Australia
- Penny Wong – Minister for Foreign Affairs; Leader of the Government in the Senate
- Ian Macfarlane – Former Federal Minister
- John Hewson – Former Leader of the Opposition
Former Premiers / State Leaders
- Nick Greiner AC – Former Premier of New South Wales
- Michael Egan – Former NSW Treasurer
Former Treasury / Central Bank Leaders
- Glenn Stevens AC – Former Governor, Reserve Bank of Australia
- Ian Macfarlane AC – Former Governor, Reserve Bank of Australia
- Bernie Fraser – Former Governor, Reserve Bank of Australia
- Ken Henry – Former Secretary to the Treasury
- Ted Evans AC – Former Secretary to the Treasury
- Gary Banks AO – Former Chair, Productivity Commission
Former Senior Public Service / Regulatory Leaders
- Gary Banks AO – Former Chair, Productivity Commission
- Graeme Samuel AC – Former Chair, ACCC
- Jillian Broadbent AO – Former RBA Board Member
- Heather Ridout AO – Former CEO, Australian Industry Group
- David Murray AO – Former CEO, Commonwealth Bank
- Helen Silver AO – Former Secretary, Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet
Distinguished Economists (National Honours)
- Ross Garnaut AC – Economist and former Ambassador to China
- Max Corden AC – International trade economist
- Allan Fells AO – Former Chair, ACCC
- Bruce Chapman AO – Architect of HECS
- Tom Parry AM – Former CEO, Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal
- Warwick McKibbin AO – Economist, ANU
Journalists / Public Intellectuals
- Ross Gittins AM – Economics Editor, Sydney Morning Herald
- Laura Tingle – Chief Political Correspondent, ABC
- Maxine McKew – Former Federal MP and journalist
