Inside the Economist’s Mind

Are you tired of losing your audience's attention during technical briefings? In this episode, we break down the essential communication skills every economist needs to move from "technical accuracy" to "communication usefulness".We explore why your audience often needs a decision-useful message before a deep dive into your data, and how you can preserve your rigor while re...

This episode explores the following key themes and strategies: Shifting from Reports to Narratives: The discussion emphasizes that webinars for analysts should not be mere "report readings" but structured stories designed to influence decisions and client engagement. Strategic Planning: It covers the importance of the "Core Strategic Question"—defining what the audience should...

Learn the different economic evaluation methods used to ensure efficient resource allocation. We explore when to use Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA)—which converts all benefits into dollar values—and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA)—which calculates outcomes like ‘lives saved’ per dollar spent. Discover how these quantitative methods are applied ex ante to inform funding decisions and ex post to revi...

Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling is a central element of economic and policy debate in Australia, used for decisions ranging from tax reform to the approval of major projects. This report takes a deep dive into the surprising, little-known theoretical and design assumptions that fundamentally determine CGE model results and subsequent policy advice. Discover why CGE models often assu...

Discover the complex economic models shaping fiscal advice at The Treasury. This review explores the critical recommendation to move away from the current 3-phase forecasting approach and embed a new, high-priority macro-econometric model for projections that must span greatly varying time horizons, from two up to 41 years. We analyze the crucial roadmap for the Revenue Group, focusing on upgradin...

Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models are the leading, transparent tool for macroeconomic policy assessment. Discover why these models failed to predict the 2008 financial crisis, and how economists are now fundamentally improving them by incorporating crucial elements like financial frictions and addressing the Zero Lower Bound (ZLB) . Learn how these complex, data-based models are...

Delve into the Australian economic outlook with insights derived from the speech of Andrew Hauser, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) . This episode explores the "unusual challenge" facing monetary policy, noting that the GDP recovery began with the highest level of capacity utilisation in over 40 years . We analyze the RBA's decision to maintain a restrictive pol...

In this episode of Inside's Economist's Mind, we break down the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision in November 2025 to leave the cash rate target unchanged at 3.60 per cent. Drawing on the latest Statement on Monetary Policy, we analyze the surprising strength of the September quarter inflation data, which was "significantly stronger than expected". Year-ended trimmed mea...

In this episode of "Inside the economist's mind," we dissect the historic United States–Australia Critical Minerals Framework, a strategic partnership signed by Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump designed to challenge China’s near-complete hold, or "iron grip," over the essential materials required for global industries. The 8.5billiondealbetweenthealliesinvolvesacommitmentofatleast∗∗US1 billion fr...

This episode dives into the massive, yet highly controversial, Barossa offshore gas project, operated by Santos. Approved amidst an election campaign focused on gas exports, Barossa is one of the most polluting new gas projects under development in Australia. We explore the dual controversies surrounding the project: 1. The Darwin Methane Leak Scandal: The Barossa project relies on extending the l...

Australia's green hydrogen transition faces severe setbacks due to high production costs, currently AUD 5−6 per kilogram, which developers cite as making the technology unviable. This cost hurdle, combined with the "chicken-and-egg problem" of uncertain market demand, has led to the cancellation of major projects, including the $12.5 billion CQ-H2 export venture. Further challenges include infrast...

Welcome to Inside the Economist's Mind . In this episode, we deep dive into the Resources and Energy Quarterly (REQ) September 2025 report. We analyze the dramatic shifts reshaping Australia's export landscape. The overall forecast projects that Australian resource and energy export earnings will decline by 5%, falling from $385 billion in 2024–25 to $369 billion in 2025–26 . This overall...

Discover how Australian petrol pump prices are determined by key factors, including international product costs (like the Singapore MOPS95 benchmark), government taxes (excise and GST), and industry operating expenses. Learn about the impact of supply chain logistics, local market competition, and discounting cycles that influence prices across Australian cities and regions. • Australian petrol pr...

"The World Ahead" is an **annual predictive publication** from The Economist, released every November. It serves as a **forward-looking guide**, offering in-depth analysis, forecasts, and informed speculation across a wide spectrum of global affairs for the upcoming year. The Transformative Impact of Donald Trump's Return: A significant focus is placed on the ramifications of Mr. Tru...

Welcome to Inside’s Economists Mind—a podcast where economic thinking meets real-world impact. You’re listening to our Career Conversations series, where we explore the journeys, challenges, and strategies that shape the careers of economists in Australia. Today’s episode is all about mastering behavioral interviews at the ATO. If you’re preparing for an Economist or Research Analyst role in the p...

In this episode, we dive into NAB Economics' preview of Australia's Q1 2025 GDP, which forecasts a 0.5% quarter-on-quarter rise. The growth is expected to be led by private sector momentum, particularly through business and dwelling investment, even as consumer spending shows signs of cooling. We'll explore how this outlook aligns with the Reserve Bank of Australia's expectations and what it means...

Key points: Population growth peaked just above 2.5%yr in Q3 2023 due to a surge following the reopening of international borders, driven by the return of students and arrival of approved permanent residents who were delayed by the pandemic. Similar patterns of population growth surges and corrections have been observed in other countries like Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Germany....

Australia's population growth surge following the reopening of international borders is now unwinding faster than previously indicated, reaching an annual rate of 1.8% in Q3 2024 and is now assumed to be 1.7% for calendar year 2024 by both Westpac and the RBA. This slowdown is expected to **reduce demand pressure on the housing market** and implies that **rent inflation should slow further**. * Th...

In this episode, we unpack Westpac IQ’s latest report on Australia’s construction sector for Q1 2025. With overall activity holding steady and a 3.5% year-over-year growth, residential construction is leading the charge. We also explore the evolving landscape of engineering construction, where traditional infrastructure takes a backseat to a growing wave of renewable energy projects. Plus, hear in...

In this episode, we dive into the rising tensions between the US and the European Union as former President Trump threatens a sweeping 50% tariff on EU goods. Drawing from ING Think’s latest economic analysis, we explore the EU’s counteroffers, the strategic sectors at stake, and what a full-blown transatlantic trade conflict could mean for global markets. Is this brinkmanship or the beginning of...

This week on *Westpac’s Australia & New Zealand Weekly*, we unpack the Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest rate cut and what it signals about inflation and domestic demand. We also analyze New Zealand’s newly released Budget and the potential path ahead for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. With global uncertainties looming, our economists dive into key international developments and preview critica...

In this episode, we unpack Paul Krugman’s take on deindustrialization in America. Challenging the popular blame placed on globalization and trade deficits, Krugman argues that the decline in manufacturing is part of a broader economic evolution—not a crisis to be reversed. We explore his case for moving beyond nostalgic policies and focusing instead on real solutions to support today’s workers in...

This episode features highlights from *Dollars and Cents* by The Australia Institute, diving into recent economic developments in Australia. We explore the Reserve Bank's latest interest rate cut, differing expert opinions on monetary policy, and the evolving definition of full employment. Plus, we break down new data on the gender pay gap in both public and private sectors, and consider how globa...

In this episode, we take a closer look at the methodology behind the Australian Wage Price Index (WPI). Based on official guidance from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, we break down how wage data is collected, what’s included (and excluded), and how consistent job tracking and statistical weighting ensure the index reflects real wage trends. Learn how seasonal adjustment and trend estimates m...

In this episode, we unpack the Reserve Bank of Australia's May 2025 monetary policy statement. With domestic activity tracking as expected and inflation gradually easing, the RBA has now turned its attention to new global risks. Rising trade tensions, especially following the United States' recent tariff hikes, are casting a shadow over the global and domestic outlook. We explore why the Board cho...