Events
ICFS Luncheon Series
Dr Philip Lowe - Assistant Governor (Economic) at the Reserve Bank of Australia
At a closed luncheon at the National Wine Centre Dr Lowe addressed an invited audience of senior academics and South Australian business leaders. His address covered a wide range of economic issues such as currency, interest rates and trade. He emphasised that the Australian economy was now more dependent upon what happens in China than had been the case at any time in the past. Economic policy makers needed to have the right settings in place.
In the informal question time that followed, issues relating to India, the resources boom and productivity were raised. Inflation remained a key consideration for the Reserve Bank.
Dr Lowe did acknowledge that the rising Australia dollar would have an uneven impact on various sectors of the economy and that educational institutions could be affected by declining overseas enrolment numbers. Universities would have to be more innovative in how they provided educational services to overseas students. Overall, however, the medium term outlook was still encouraging with Australia emerging strongly from the global slowdown.
John O'Shaughnessy - "Australia as a Financial Services Centre - Maximising Opportunities for South Australia
John addressed and led discussion on "How can we maximise the potential economic benefits for South Australia in embracing the concept of building Australia as a financial services centre?".
The presentation focussed on identifying and maximising opportunities that would emerge from the "Australia as a Financial Centre - Building on our Strengths" report (commonly referred to as the Johnson Report) recommendations and the Government's response to them.
Discussion at the lunch between key players and policy makers looked at the challenge of developing the Australia services sector, especially the need to stimulate sustainable services trade opportunities.
As a result of this event a letter was forwarded to the Premier's office highlighting key areas of opportunity in this area.
In a response form the Premiers office it was confirmed that the discussion promoted by the University of Adelaide about the potential for South Australia's financial sector was welcome, and the South Australian Government acknowledged the many benefits that accrue to economies with a well developed financial services sector.
ICFS Symposiums
Symposium 2009 - The Future for Property Investment and Financing
Held in October 2009 this Symposium attracted over 90 delegates and was quoted in local and national press articles.
The Symposium addressed topical and pertinent issues, including The 30 Year Plan for Adelaide. The keynote speakers were Professor Stephen LeRoy and Antoniette Plater. A diverse expert panel of industry professional and academics answered questions on the challenges facing property markets.
Presenters:
The Hon Paul Holloway MLC, Minister for Urban Development and Planning - The 30 Year Plan - Implications for Property Markets and Prices in South Australia
Professor Stephen LeRoy, Emeritus Professor University of California (Santa Barbara) and Adjunct Professor, University of Adelaide Business School - An Overview of the Sub-Prime Crises in the USA. Lessons for Australia
Antoniette Plater, Senior Portfolio Manager (Asia Pacific) Colonial First State - Analysis of Australian Property Markets
Panel session: Property and Investment Financing
Panel members:
Chair: Associate Professor Barry Burgan, Head of University of Adelaide Business School
Antoniette Plater, Senior Portfolio Manager (Asia Pacific) Colonial First State
Terry Walsh, Executive Director - Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) SA
Professor David Gallagher, Professor in Finance - University of Technology, Sydney
Symposium 2008 - Challenging Financial Markets
Held in July 2008 this Symposium attracted over 100 delegates and addressed issues including the Rudd Government Agenda on Financial Services presented by the Hon. Sen. Nick Sherry, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law.
Presenters:
The Hon Sen. Nick Sherry, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law - The Rudd Government Agenda on Financial Services
Mrs Andrea Slattery, Chief Executive Officer Self Managed Super Funds Professionals' Association of Australia (SPAA) - The Growth and Challenges of Self Managed Super Funds
Dr Chris Medlin, University of Adelaide - What Clients Really Think of Financial Planners
Panel session: Challenging Financial Markets
Panel members:
Chair: Mr John O'Shaughnessy, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, IFSA
Mr Joe Bracken, Head of Micro Strategies BT Investment Management
Professor Ralf Zurbrugg, Chair in Finance University of Adelaide
Dr Martin Fahy, Chief Executive Officer FINSIA
Mr Bruce Speirs, Chief Executive Officer Adelaide Managed Funds
