Women in Economics Network Pre-Budget Address

Date: Thursday May 7, 2026, 11:30 am

From: Women In Economics

REGISTER NOW for the Women in Economics Network (WEN) Annual Pre‑Budget Address at the National Press Club (Canberra). 

As the Australian and global economy grapples with intensified geopolitical conflict, energy supply risks and stubborn inflationary pressures, this year’s Federal Budget faces a complex set of economic challenges and trade-offs. Three leading Australian economists – Dr Luci Ellis (Chief Economist at Westpac Banking Group), Jo Masters (Chief Economist at Barrenjoey Capital Partners) and Dr Aruna Sathanapally (CEO of the Grattan Institute) – will share their outlook for the Australian economy and their expert views on what’s needed in the upcoming Federal Budget.

Young Economists' Network CGE Modelling Workshop

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Wednesday May 6, 2026, 6:30 pm

From: Western Australia

PLEASE NOTE VENUE CHANGE:
Register for the WA Young Economists Network (WA YEN) CGE Modelling workshop delivered by Curtin University PhD Candidate Zac Muscat on Wednesday 6 May 2026 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in Lecture Theatre 402.220, Building 402, Curtin University.

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YE Network: Careers in Economic Consulting

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Wednesday May 6, 2026, 6:30 pm

From: Australian Capital Territory

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The 2026 - 2027 Victorian State Budget Review

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Wednesday May 6, 2026, 12:30 pm

From: Victoria

In May the Victorian Government will deliver its 2026-27 Budget. What are the policy priorities for the budget by the Allan Government, and what does the budget say about the state of the Victorian economy?

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2026 Freebairn Public Lecture - Turning luck into pluck: Positioning Australia for an uncertain future

Event Type: Wide/Public Interest

Date: Tuesday May 5, 2026, 6:00 pm

From: Victoria

2026 Freebairn Public Lecture 

Please join us as Ms Allegra Spender MP, independent Federal Member for Wentworth, delivers the prestigious Freebairn Lecture.

Tas Behavioural Lab Round Table

Event Type: Partner Event

Date: Saturday May 2, 2026, 5:30 pm

From: Tasmania

Hobart Round Table

Tasmanian Behavioural Lab is inviting all ESA Tasmania members to join them at their April/May Behavioural Roundtable, bringing together members of both communities for an exchange of research and practice.

No need to sign up or book, you can simply turn up! Come and hang out with a bunch of other people who love economics, behavioural science and its applications. 

For more information on the tasbenet and their great work please go to https://www.utas.edu.au/research/institutes-and-centres/tasmanian-behavioural-lab or check out their LinkedIn Group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14248741/ 

Griffin Economic History Public Lecture

Event Type: Wide/Public Interest

Date: Thursday Apr 30, 2026, 5:30 pm

From: Victoria

Join University of Melbourne as Professor Hans-Joachim Voth, University of Zurich delivers the 2026 Griffin Economic Public Lecture. 

Roots of Extremism - Social Dynamics and the Long Shadows of History in the Rise of the Nazi Party

WEN Book Club

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Thursday Apr 30, 2026, 7:30 am

From: Australian Capital Territory

WEN ACT committee warmly invites you to the next instalment of our quarterly book club.

This is a free, in person event.

See the attached poster for more details.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Alicia and Mary

Your WEN Book Club Hosts

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Rethinking GDP in the Digital Age: The Case for Productive Screentime

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Wednesday Apr 29, 2026, 12:30 pm

From: New South Wales

📱Professor Kevin Fox, Director of the Centre for Applied Economic Research at UNSW Sydney, will challenge how we measure the economy in his latest work on “Productive Screentime” — arguing that much of the value we create online is invisible in GDP.

📊 Drawing on his AEJ: Macro paper “GDP-B,” he makes the case for expanded measures of economic activity that could reshape how we think about growth and productivity.

Join in-person at 123 Pitt St, Sydney or Online

If you are a member of ESA in another state, you may join this event for free. Please email admin@esansw.org.au with your first name, last name, email address and state.

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Young Economists event in collaboration with the QUT Women in Economics Society and the QUT Economic and Finance Society: You’ve Been Nudged - Building Resilience

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Monday Apr 27, 2026, 5:15 pm

From: Queensland

Curious about how small changes can shape big decisions? Join us for an engaging evening exploring the power of “nudges” and how they influence policy, spending and saving behaviours, business strategy, and even career resilience.

Why do people pay millions for art?

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Thursday Apr 23, 2026, 5:30 pm

From: South Australia

Why do people pay millions for art?

Most economics events talk about inflation, trade, or policy.

This one doesn’t.

Join YEN for a different kind of economics conversation — one that explores how value is created, perceived, and competed for in the real world.

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2026 Gourlay Ethics In Business Lecture

Event Type: Wide/Public Interest

Date: Wednesday Apr 22, 2026, 6:15 pm

From: Victoria

Trinity's first visiting Gourlay Professor for 2026 is Professor Gerry George. 

Professor George will deliver the first 2026 Gourlay Lecture on: Venture Meets Mission: Aligning People, Purpose, and Profit to Transform Society.

For further details please visit the event website here.

ESA QLD April Coffee & Economics Catch-Up – Brisbane CBD

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Wednesday Apr 22, 2026, 10:30 am

From: Queensland

ESA QLD members and friends are invited to an informal mid-morning coffee and conversation in the Brisbane CBD.

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What can we learn from Auckland’s upzoning experiment? - ONLINE ONLY

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Monday Apr 20, 2026, 12:30 pm

From: Queensland

Housing affordability remains one of Australia’s most pressing policy challenges, with upzoning widely promoted as a key solution. But what actually happens when cities dramatically increase allowable density?

In this webinar, Dr Cameron Murray (Fresh Economic Thinking) examines the Auckland experience, often cited as a success story, and gives his views on how the popular “supply narrative” compares with the empirical evidence.

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking session exploring what the Auckland case really tells us, and what it means for housing policy in Australia.

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Young Economist and Uni Students Networking Drinks

Date: Thursday Apr 16, 2026, 6:00 pm

From: New South Wales

Connect. Learn. Build your network. The first drink is on us!

🍺🥂 Join us for a casual networking evening bringing together economics students and economists from government, industry, and the private sector. Meet professionals, learn about career pathways, and build valuable connections in a relaxed setting.

Open to early career economists and students from all universities and faculties. Feel free to bring your friends

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Young Economist – Energy Economics Event

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Thursday Apr 16, 2026, 6:00 pm

From: Queensland

The Australian electricity sector is undergoing a transformation. As new technologies emerge and energy demand grows, strategic policy and investment decisions will be critical to securing a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy future. Please join us to hear from a panel of energy experts on how innovative economic thinking can help shape Australia’s energy transition.

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Monetary Policy and the Homeownership Rate in Australia

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Wednesday Apr 15, 2026, 12:30 pm

From: New South Wales

🏠 How does monetary policy affect who gets to own a home?

James Graham explores how changes in interest rates shape home buying decisions in Australia, particularly for first home buyers. Using a detailed model of Australian households, it examines how rising mortgage rates, changing incomes, and shifts in house prices interact to influence whether people buy, rent, or delay entering the housing market.

Join in-person at 123 Pitt St, Sydney or Online.

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Asia-Pacific Meeting of the Economic Science Association 2026

Event Type: Wide/Public Interest

Date: Thursday Apr 9, 2026, 2:00 pm

From: Victoria

The meeting is hosted by the Department of Economics at The University of Melbourne and it will be held as an in-person event at the Parkville Campus.

For further details and to register please visit the event website here.

NSW Treasury Distinguished Speaker David Hensher AM

Date: Thursday Apr 9, 2026, 1:00 pm

From: New South Wales

🚗Following a High Court of Australia ruling on Victoria’s EV charge and growing concern over declining fuel excise revenue, national momentum for reform is building. This session explores practical pathways for road pricing reform in Australia, with insights from international experience.

🚗 Join us to hear directly from one of Australia’s most experienced economic thinkers and Distinguished Speaker, David Hensher, AM

Due to popular demand, NSW Treasury has opened up more places for this event

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Society for Experimental Finance Asia-Pacific Conference 2026

Event Type: Wide/Public Interest

Date: Wednesday Apr 8, 2026, 9:00 am

From: Victoria

For further details and registration please click here.

YE Network: The many sides of Intergenerational equity

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Tuesday Mar 31, 2026, 5:30 pm

From: Australian Capital Territory

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Quandaries of the Tax System

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Tuesday Mar 31, 2026, 5:30 pm

From: Victoria

Join Evan for a focused examination of the key structural weaknesses in Australia’s tax system. The presentation will outline the nation’s reliance on personal income tax, the limited diversification of the tax base, and the distributional effects that favour wealth accumulation while placing greater pressure on lower‑income earners.

Drawing on behavioural, demographic and generational insights, Evan will provide a clear assessment of how current tax settings shape economic behaviour and intergenerational outcomes. This session offers a grounded perspective on how the system functions beyond headline figures.

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Young Economists Social Event Oche

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Thursday Mar 26, 2026, 6:00 pm

From: Queensland

Come join your fellow Young Economists for a few rounds of darts at Oche. For $20, you’ll get two hours of gaming, food, and drinks. 

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The Trump Administration’s Tariffs: A Policy Primer

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Wednesday Mar 25, 2026, 12:30 pm

From: New South Wales

Tariffs are back. After decades in the policy wilderness, tariffs are now front-page news. 

Join Professor David Orsmond as he explores the new arguments for protectionism, how they compare with conventional economic thinking and what Australia should do to respond in this uncertain global trade climate.

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)

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ESA YP Lawn Bowls

Event Type: ESA Event

Date: Tuesday Mar 24, 2026, 5:30 pm

From: Victoria

Join us for after-work drinks and a discussion featuring young economists and experts as we explore public transport pricing in Australia.

This event will be a great opportunity to mingle with fellow young economists, expand your professional circle, and enjoy a delightful evening in good company. 

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