Amid rising geopolitical tensions, shifting alliances and intensifying competition for global capital, Australia’s economic outlook is becoming increasingly complex. In advance of the 2026 Federal Budget, the Trans-Tasman Business Circle, in partnership with the Australian Banking Association, invites senior leaders from banking, business, government and the investment community to join us for our Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon.
The programme will open with an address from The Hon. Simon Birmingham, setting the context for the banking sector and broader economy. This will be followed by a fireside conversation with Dig Howitt, CEO & President of Cochlear, in discussion with The Hon. Warwick Smith AO, exploring how global uncertainty, trade dynamics and capital flows are reshaping Australian business and national competitiveness — a theme recently highlighted by Howitt in the Australian Financial Review.
The luncheon will then feature an economic panel discussion, moderated by Warwick Smith AO, with Ric Deverell and Melanie Evans, examining the forces shaping Australia’s outlook ahead of the Federal Budget, including fiscal pressures, productivity and demographic challenges, energy transition and global capital flows, as well as the outlook for inflation, labour markets and investment.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday 28 April 2026
Time: 12.00 PM – 2.30 PM AEST
Venue: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park (Ballroom) , 161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
Corporate Table: $2,500 (+GST) Members | $3,500 (+GST) Non-Members
Individual Seat: $250 (+GST) Members | $350 (+GST) Non-Members
Members please use code CIRCLETICKETQ1 at checkout when registering.
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