On 27 October 2020, the Australian Business Economists hosted the ABE Schools Conference via Zoom, an engaging event tailored for high school students in years 10 to 12. Sponsored by Westpac, the conference featured a keynote address by Natasha Cassidy, Acting Deputy Head of the Economic Analysis Department at the Reserve Bank of Australia, followed by an expert panel discussion.

Ms Cassidy provided an insightful overview of how the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the global and Australian economies. She addressed key themes, including economic contractions, labour market challenges, and the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy responses aimed at stabilizing the economy during unprecedented times.

The panel discussion, moderated by Besa Deda (Chief Economist, St George Banking Group), included esteemed speakers such as Alex Joiner (IFM Investors), Elysse Morgan (ABC), Emily Blythe (Westpac), and Megan Paybody (EY). Together, they explored the practical implications of the pandemic, the evolving labour market, and how the study of economics has shaped their careers.

Key takeaways included:

• Economic Challenges: The pandemic’s disruption across industries highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains and domestic economic structures.
• Labour Market Trends: The speakers discussed the rise of remote work, shifts in demand across industries, and the critical need for adaptability in the workforce.
• Monetary Policy Responses: Measures such as interest rate cuts, quantitative easing, and fiscal support were pivotal in mitigating the economic downturn and fostering recovery.
• Career Insights: Panelists reflected on how their economics backgrounds equipped them to navigate challenges, underscoring the subject’s relevance in solving real-world problems.

The conference offered students a unique opportunity to connect with leading professionals and gain insights into how economics can drive understanding and solutions in times of crisis.

Watch Recording of panel session »