Tim Murray, Ivan Colhoun, Emily Mahler, Stephen Halmarick, Ratih Luhur, Rowan Moffitt, Nicki Hutley, Brian Stoddart, Phillip Harslett

Independent Insights from Australia's Leading
Independent Economists and Thought Leaders

InEconomics' Insights

Where thought leadership meets independent insights.

InEconomics' Insights podcast is the trusted source for thought leadership in economics, policy, and societal trends. Where Australia’s leading economists, thought leaders, and industry experts come together to share independent insights on the critical issues shaping our world.

  • RBA Surprise Rates Hold Aug 2025

    RBA: August 2025 Surprise Rates Hold

    What It Means for the Economy with Stephen Halmarick
    In this episode of InEconomics, Ratih Luhur speaks with Stephen Halmarick—former Chief Economist of Commonwealth Bank and now with InEconomics—about the Reserve Bank of Australia's surprising decision to hold interest rates steady at 3.85% in July 2025. 💡 Key insights: - Why markets were pricing in a rate cut—and why it didn’t happen - What the RBA is waiting for before making its next move - The impact on housing, consumer confidence, and the broader economy - A first-ever look at how RBA board members voted - Stephen’s forecast for rate cuts in August, November, and December 🎯 Whether you're a policymaker, investor, or simply trying to understand what this means for your mortgage—this is essential listening.
    Stephen Halmarick | Ratih Luhur | July 2025

  • Strategy Risk and Real World Impact

    Strategy, Risk and Real World Impact

    What happens when you move beyond gut instinct and start modeling your assumptions?
    In this episode, Tim Murray joins Ratih Luhur to explore how economic modeling transforms strategy, clarifies risk, and delivers real-world impact. From econometrics and machine learning to CGE and microsimulation, Tim breaks down the tools and thinking that help leaders make smarter, more defensible decisions. Whether you're in policy, consulting, or business strategy, this conversation will change how you think about data, assumptions, and communication.
    Tim Murray | Ratih Luhur | July 2025

  • Carbon Pricing Explain Why It is Still Matters in 2025

    Carbon Pricing Explained

    Carbon Pricing Explained: Why It Still Matters in 2025
    Why is carbon pricing still considered the most efficient climate policy by economists? In this compelling conversation, Nicki Hutley and Saul Eslake explore the economic principles behind externalities, emissions trading schemes, and the long-term costs of climate inaction. Topics Covered: - The history of carbon pricing in Australia - Why emissions trading schemes failed politically - The safeguard mechanism as a de facto carbon price - Discount rates and intergenerational equity - Global trends in carbon border adjustments
    Nicki Hutley | Saul Eslake | Ratih Luhur | July 2025

  • Unlocking the Power of Economic Modelling

    Economic Modelling 101 Part 1

    Unlocking the Power of Economic Modelling
    Most people know they need a modeler—but don’t know where to find one. Others don’t even realize what modeling can do for their project. In this conversation, I sat down with Tim Murray from Precision Economics to unpack the real value of economic modeling in consulting and policy work. From quick-turnaround data analysis to complex simulations like CGE and microsimulation, Tim breaks down the tools that help decision-makers move from intuition to evidence.
    Tim Murray | Ratih Luhur | July 2025

  • AUKUS, ANZUS and Australia Home Alone

    AUKUS Under Review? AUKUS, ANZUS and Australia Home Alone

    AUKUS, ANZUS and Australia Home Alone
    Is the future of the AUKUS agreement at risk under a changing US administration? Saul Eslake and Rowan Moffitt unpack the political undertones, strategic timing, and real concerns surrounding Australia's naval readiness. With skepticism rising and questions looming, what happens if the US decides we’re “not ready”? Join us for this crucial discussion on sovereignty, security, and strategy in a shifting global alliance.
    Rowan Moffitt | Saul Eslake | Ratih Luhur | June 2025

  • Small Nation Big Impact

    Why Australia’s Climate Actions Matter in a Global Crisis
    Is Australia too small to matter in the fight against climate change? This gripping conversation tackles the big questions on every policymaker’s mind—from global responsibility under the Paris Agreement to balancing economic cost with moral leadership. Discover why doing our fair share isn’t just ethical—it’s strategic. Join our climate economy expert Nicki Hutley and Saul Eslake as they discuss - Why global emissions don’t excuse local inaction - How Australia can lead in renewables despite coal's decline - What it means to be a beacon in a climate-vulnerable region
    Nicki Hutley | Saul Eslake | Ratih Luhur | June 2025

  • Wither Defence Spending?

    Are we prepared for the future, or clinging to past assumptions?
    In this compelling conversation on Australia’s defense strategy, we explore how shifting global dynamics and uncertainty around U.S. alliances are forcing Australia to rethink its national security posture. With expert insights, we unpack why using GDP percentage as a guide for defense spending is flawed, the strategic implications of the AUKUS deal, and the pressing need for independent defense planning in the Indo-Pacific. From changing U.S. priorities to rising regional tensions, this discussion offers a candid assessment of where Australia stands—and where it must go next.
    Rowan Moffitt | Saul Eslake | Ratih Luhur | 12 June 2025

  • The Hidden Cost of Climate Inaction

    Why Climate Change Is Costing You More Than You Think
    Economist Nikki Hutley reveals why climate change is no longer just an environmental issue — it’s an economic emergency. From sky-high insurance premiums to a $13.5B disaster budget blowout, this conversation connects the climate crisis to your wallet. - Why unpriced carbon is distorting our economy - How climate is reshaping the insurance industry - The growing risk to Aussie suburbs - Easy household energy upgrades that pay back
    Nicki Hutley | Saul Eslake | Ratih Luhur | June 2025

  • 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

    Australia is at a pivotal moment in its defense and national security journey.
    𝘈𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺. In this podcast, Rear Admiral Rowan Moffitt AO (Ret.), former Deputy Chief of the Royal Australian Navy speaks with Saul Eslake on: • The ripple effects of U.S. calls for increased military spending • The strategic reality of China’s growing presence • Why GDP percentages may not be the smartest way to measure defense commitment • And the role Australia must shape for itself—independent of global power plays Essential viewing for policy professionals, defense analysts, and anyone curious about where our nation’s priorities should lie.
    Rowan Moffitt | Saul Eslake | Ratih Luhur | 12.06.2025

  • Reserve Bank of Australia's Rate Cut May 2025

    Reserve Bank of Australia’s Rate Cut May 2025

    Breaking down the Reserve Bank’s latest rate cut!
    Join Ratih Luhur, founder & director of In Economics, as she welcomes Stephen Hall Maric, former Chief Economist of Commonwealth Bank, now principal of Economic Unchained. Together, they analyze the impact of the 3.85% cash rate, inflation trends, and what’s next for monetary policy.
    Stephen Halmarick | Ratih Luhur | 21.05.2025

  • Seats-Swings-Statistics-Models

    Seats, Swings & Statistical Models

    The 2025 Australian federal election delivered unexpected results, shaking up the political landscape! Join Ratih Luhur, Tim Murray, and Phil Haslett as they break down the election outcome, and the accuracy of their election predictive model. The Labor Party's landslide victory, and how cutting-edge election modeling predicted the shift.
    Phil Harslett | Tim Murray | Ratih Luhur | 12.05.2025

  • Australian-Economy-Outlook-Post-Election-2025-QA

    Australian Economic Outlook: Post-Election Q&A

    Join Ratih Luhur, founder of InEconomics, for an engaging discussion with esteemed economist Ivan Colhoun on Australia’s economic outlook following the Labor Party’s historic majority government win in the May 2025 federal election. Learn how global trends, inflation, and economic policies will shape the nation’s future.
    Ivan Colhoun | Ratih Luhur | 04.05.2023

  • Saul-Eslake-Tim-Murray-Australia-Federal-Election-2025-Ballots-Bias-Bayes

    Ballots, Bias and Bayes

    Can a new election model redraw Australia's political math?
    Saul Eslake sits down with economist and modeller Tim Murray to unpack a new Bayesian-ML model's insights and predictions for the 2025 Australian election. They walk through how the model fuses past electoral outcomes with each poll’s hits, misses, and house bias; layering data from every level: national, state/territory, individual seats, and key demographics. That blend reveals which groups and locations are really shifting the vote this cycle, and folds them into one coherent framework that shows how voters actually feel.
    Saul Eslake | Tim Murray | Ratih Luhur | 25.04.2025

  • Saul-Eslake-Election-2025-Part-1-Key-Issues

    Australia’s Federal Election 2025

    The Key Issues
    Saul Eslake dives deep into key issues shaping Australia's federal election. Explore topics like the cost of living crisis, housing affordability, and economic strategies proposed by major political parties. Gain valuable perspectives on rebates, tax reforms, and policies targeting first-time homebuyers. Stay informed and join the conversation on how these policies may impact your future.
    Saul Eslake | Ratih Luhur | 24.04.2025

  • Australia-Higher-Education-Part-1-Where-we-are

    Australia’s Higher Education

    Where We Are
    Saul Eslake and Emeritus Professor Brian Stoddart discuss how universities have become entangled in culture wars, with perceptions of elitism driving public skepticism and funding cuts.
    Saul Eslake | Brian Stoddart | Ratih Luhur | 10.04.2025

  • Our-World-Suddenly-Not-Like-It-Was-Australias-Defence-Strategic-Challenges-Global-Tension

    Our World – Suddenly Not Like It Was

    Australia's Defence Strategi Challenges and Global Tension
    Step into a thought-provoking conversation with Economist Saul Eslake and Rear Admiral Rowan Moffitt AO, RAN (retd) as he sheds light on Australia's evolving geo-strategic landscape. Explore topics including China's naval presence near Australian waters, the risks to undersea cables, the AUKUS submarine agreement's implications, and the broader defense challenges facing Australia in a rapidly changing world. Gain unique insights into the balance of capability and intent, and the impact of global and regional powers on Australia's security. This is a compelling exploration of the complex forces shaping our world today
    Saul Eslake | Rowan Moffitt | Ratih Luhur | 03.04.2025

  • Questions for Australia's Defence in a Changed World

    Questions for Australia’s Defence in a Changed World

    Saul Eslake talks with Rear Admiral Rowan Moffitt AO, RAN (retd) about Australia's defense strategy amid shifting global dynamics. With China's increasing military presence and evolving U.S. alliances, how should Australia respond? This discussion explores defense spending, strategic partnerships, and the necessity of a national security framework. Are we making the right choices, or are we stuck in outdated defense policies? Watch now to gain expert insights on the future of Australia's military strategy.
    Saul Eslake | Rowan Moffitt | Ratih Luhur | 07.03.2025

  • Map of China PLA-Navy Circumnavigation of Australia

    China’s PLA-Navy Warships

    Saul Eslake talks with the newest member of the InEconomics team, Rear Admiral Rowan Moffitt AO, RAN (retd) about what the flotilla from the Chinese PLA-Navy was doing in the Tasman Sea and other waters off the Australian coast Feb 2025, what China might be seeking to achieve by that, and what the implications for Australia might be.
    Saul Eslake | Rowan Moffitt | Ratih Luhur | 28.02.2025

  • InEconomics-at-LinkedIn-Australia-Feb-2025

    InEconomics visit to LinkedIn Australia

    Saul Eslake | Misa Han | Ratih Luhur | 06.02.2025
    Saul Eslake and InEconomics team visited LinkedIn office for a chat with Misa Han, LinkedIn New Finance Editor about RBA's Interest Rate Outlook for 2025, Housing Crisis, Share Market Risks, Crypto-currencies, Black Swan Events and Career Tips.

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