Economic challenges facing Rudd government

The economic challenges facing a Rudd Labor government
Where: Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
When: 20 February 2008
Start time: 6pm

The American economy is on the edge of an economic slowdown, recession is possible. Petrol prices are moving towards the threshold of US$100 dollars per barrel. The Rudd Government appears fatally committed to significant Australian tax cuts mid year while interest rates in Australia move ever upwards, inflation is moving, personal debt is skyrocketing. The NSW Fabian Society has invited three serious economic commentators to speak on the internal and external economic challenges facing a Rudd government.

Saul Eslake is the Chief Economist for the ANZ Bank. Saul began his career in the Commonwealth Public Service. Prior to joining the ANZ he was Chief Economist at National Funds management (now part of AXA insurance group) and before that Chief Economist of the stock broking firm McIntosh Securities (now part of Merrill Lynch).

Dr John Edwards is the Chief Economist at HSBC Australia. From 1991-1994 he was the Senior Adviser (Economic) to the Treasurer and then Prime Minister Paul Keating. Dr Edwards wrote a biography of Paul Keating, one of the best Australian biographies. He was a political journalist in Canberra and Washington. In another life Dr Edwards was the candidate in 1969 of the ALP Left for President of NSW Young Labor. The incumbent he challenged was Paul Keating.

Dr Steve Keen is an Associate Professor in economics and finance at the University of Western Sydney. Dr Keen has published a book, Debunking Economics: The Naked Emperor of the Social Sciences. In recent times, Dr Keen has gained national prominence as a commentator on the crisis of Australian personal debt.

The moderator is Hon Dr Geoff Gallop, former Premier of WA.