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SA economic growth to moderate as headwinds intensify and capacity constraints are reached

The latest Economic Briefing Report from the SA Centre for Economic Studies concludes that the SA economy will continue to expand in the new year, but at a slower pace. After two years of rapid growth, the state economy is now operating at a very high level of capacity utilisation with unemployment at low levels. Tighter financial conditions, cost of living pressures and high energy prices are all expected to have a dampening influence on growth in 2023.
Mitigating work related financial disincentives faced by Age Pensioners can help address the skills shortage

Raising the labour force participation of Age Pensioners would help to address existing skills shortages within Australia. A new research paper from SACES examines a potential policy reform to address the current financial disincentive to participate in the labour force faced by those on the Aged Pension.
SA economic recovery to continue despite cost of living crisis

South Australia’s economic recovery is set to continue despite inflation and rising interest rates putting increased strain on household budgets. But with household and public sector consumption expected to weaken, the State’s export performance will need to improve to compensate. These conclusions are contained in the latest Economic Briefing Report from the SA Centre for Economic Studies.
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SA construction sector remains strong, but faces headwinds

Overall activity in the South Australian construction sector should remain at its current robust level over the near term. But recent large price increases for inputs and the gradual erosion of recent supportive factors will present near and medium-term challenges for the construction sector, especially residential building. These insights are contained in a newly released paper from SACES which assesses the state of general business conditions in the construction industry in South Australia.
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SA economic recovery to continue but reopening no guarantee of economic windfall

South Australia’s economic recovery is expected to continue well into the new year. Recent strong growth in business investment, a backlog of construction work, and reopening of borders will support the ongoing recovery. But the economic benefits of reopening will be diminished to the extent that it leads to fresh COVID outbreaks and voluntary social distancing.
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Education can mitigate COVID-19 employment shocks

A new research paper from SACES which examines the impact of COVID-19 on employment in South Australia with particular reference to the young argues that more support for education and training is the key to offsetting the employment impacts of similar shocks.
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Business tool reduces risk of implementing AI tech

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being embraced by Australian businesses to enhance their business operations. While the economic and societal risks of AI have received considerable attention, there is less appreciation for the potential Work Health and Safety (WHS) risks posed by AI use in the workplace. As part of a collaborative research project SACES has investigated the potential WHS risks of AI and helped develop a risk management tool to help companies manage potential workplace health and safety risks related to the introduction of AI technology.
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Policy support offers opportunities for SA post pandemic

Policy support from the South Australian and Federal governments for employment and training initiatives could play a crucial role in boosting the State’s population and recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the University of Adelaide’s SA Centre for Economic Studies. These conclusions are drawn from three policy papers which consider the demographic and labour market impacts of COVID-19 on South Australia.
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Vale Professor Cliff Walsh

The staff of the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies (SACES) would like to acknowledge the passing of Emeritus Professor Cliff Walsh on the evening of the 7th of July in Melbourne.
Slow vaccine roll-out could deepen economic scars

In their latest Economic Briefing Report, economists from the SA Centre for Economic Studies (SACES) conclude that while South Australia’s economy is recovering strongly, the slow vaccine roll-out is a significant threat to the nation’s ongoing ability to weather the long-term effects of the pandemic. They also warn that Australia needs to raise the standards of governance at all levels in order to deal with increasing economic, political, and environmental threats.
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