Pre-election briefing: Cost of living, energy, resources, trade, tariffs and Trump

Join the Sydney Branch for their April tech talk: Pre-election briefing: Cost of living, energy, resources, trade, tariffs and Trump.

About this event

In the lead-up to the federal election, our speaker Gene Tunny - Director of Adept Economics, will outline how cost-of-living pressures and economic uncertainty–Trump’s tariffs and strategic threats from autocracies–are shaping both public sentiment and election policies.

While the economy appears to be ‘turning a corner’, Australia has suffered prolonged higher inflation and stagnant real wage growth, which has underpinned rising cost-of-living pressures. Despite inflation now back within the 2–3% target, everyday prices remain high. Hence, we have seen the Albanese Government respond with tax relief and energy subsidies to ease household burdens—and to secure voter support.

The different approaches of the Government and Opposition mean we will have a vigorous and fascinating debate over the Government’s modest permanent tax cut versus the Opposition’s temporary though immediate fuel tax relief, in addition to the expected bitter debate over nuclear power.

Gene will discuss the vexed issue of immigration. It has been important in addressing skilled labor shortages, particularly in primary industries. But there are valid growing concerns over the adverse impacts of rapid population growth on the housing market and congestion in our cities.

Trade will be another area of focus of Gene’s talk. As you’re aware, Australia has a heavy reliance on resource exports—iron ore, coal, and gas—to East Asia, especially China. Any global slowdown caused by a trade war or geopolitical tension can drastically affect demand. There is an ongoing risk of escalating trade disputes or new tariffs in a more protectionist global environment.

Join us to hear Gene outline key election debates: cost-of-living relief, energy policy, and national security. The Government’s economic track record—weak before the interest rate cut, which has given it a boost in recent weeks—will heavily influence voter perceptions. Gene will stress the likelihood of a minority government and the resulting policy shifts that could significantly impact Australia’s resources sector post-election.

Program
5.15pm - 5.45pm: Arrival and pre-event networking
5.45pm - 5.50pm: Welcome and introductions
5.50pm - 7.15pm: Presentation and Q&A
7.15pm - 8.30pm: Canapes, refreshments and post-event networking  

Please note: All students are welcome to this event, with free registration available for Students.

Speaker/s

Gene Tunny

Director, Adept Economics; Adjunct Fellow, Centre for Independent Studies (CIS); Adjunct Lecturer in Economics,Griffith University; President, Economic Society of Australia (QLD)

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Gene Tunny is the Director of Adept Economics, an Adjunct Fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS), an Adjunct Lecturer in Economics at Griffith University and the current President of the Economic Society of Australia (QLD). He is a former Australian Treasury official who has managed teams in Treasury’s Industry and Budget Policy divisions. Gene has taught economics at various universities, including the University of Queensland, where he often serves as an expert presenter in UQ International Development short courses for foreign government officials. He is a frequent media commentator on economic issues in Australia (e.g. Courier-Mail, ABC, 4BC, the Australian, and AFR), and he runs the podcast Economics Explored.