The Circle & Australian Banking Association Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon 2026
Tuesday, 28th April 2026, 12-2.30pm AEST
The Circle & Australian Banking Association Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon 2026
In advance of the Federal Budget The Global Forces Reshaping Australia’s EconomyGeopolitics, productivity and our economic direction
Opening Address: The Hon. Simon Birmingham, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Banking Association
Fireside Chat 'Navigating Global Uncertainty: Implications for Australia's Economy and Competitiveness': Guests of Honour: The Hon. Warwick Smith AO and Dig Howitt - Chief Executive Officer and President, Cochlear.
Guest Panellists: Melanie Evans, Chief Executive Officer, ING Australia and Ric Deverell, Chief Economist, Macquarie Group.
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, Chief Executive Officer and 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 Melanie Evans and Ric Deverell, 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.
Members Tickets: $250+GST | Non-Member Tickets: $350+GST
While most Circle public programme events include complimentary tickets for members, this event is held at an external venue and therefore carries a member ticket fee.
Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park (Ballroom)
161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
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