National Economic Update 2026

In last year's National Economic Update, AICD Chief Economist Mark Thirlwell described how Australia faced a new economic and political order, arguing that we would need to rebuild our economic model in response.

Developments this year have reinforced that message, albeit that so far it has been less a case of 'new world order' and more a case of 'new world disorder'. After a tumultuous start to 2026 that brought the 'Donroe Doctrine' to Venezuela and saw threats to the future of NATO over the status of Greenland, the shocks kept coming. Most dramatically, the world economy is now facing a major energy crisis. War in the Middle East has closed the Strait of Hormuz and triggered what the International Energy Agency has called 'the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.' In response, Prime Minister Albanese has been visiting regional partners to secure fuel supplies. 

Meanwhile, here at home, a divided Monetary Policy Board has already voted to tighten interest rates in response to rising inflationary pressures while also signalling its concerns over an increasingly uncertain outlook. And as the Australian Federal Budget for 2026-27 approaches, the Treasurer Jim Chalmers will now have to juggle multiple challenges, from energy security and the cost of living to intergenerational equity and a faltering supply side. All while keeping an eye on the shifting domestic political landscape.

Join AICD Chief Economist Mark Thirlwell GAICD for an update on how the Australian economy will fare in a time of global disruption. For boards, this is no longer about distant flashpoints. It is about systemic shocks that move markets and test the resilience of business models in real time.

Schedule:

• 12.15pm – Registration & Networking
• 12.30pm – Plated lunch served
• 12.55pm – Formalities commence
• 2.30pm – Event concludes   

Sponsor: