Taking an economic approach to national challenges
29 Jun 2026
An opportunity to explore fiscal and monetary policy through the eyes of a seasoned economist by examining what has worked historically and what may yet solve some of society's most persistent challenges has been “priceless” for Economics students.
ANZ senior economist Matthew Galt has provided insights on the economy, and the impact of rising inequality, along with the debt burden, and the drivers of economic growth, during a session with Year 13 Economics and Business students at Christ’s College.
Student Charlie de Costobadie describes the presentation on the state of both the local and global economies as “engaging and thought-provoking”.
“Interest rates, the share market, and oil prices were all firmly on the table for discussion,” Charlie says. “We also got into some of the bigger, messier questions, including rising inequality, the burden of national debt, and the complex drivers of economic growth.
“These topics can feel pretty abstract when you’re sitting in a classroom but having an experienced economist offer frank and considered perspectives brought these issues into focus making each more real and a lot more urgent. It was also a rare and candid window to how economists approach these matters in practice.
“Hearing about the Official Cash Rate, unemployment rates, and exchange rates from someone who works with them every day was a reality check in the best possible way. It's one thing to study these ideas in class, but hearing an expert break each down through real experience brought the Economics curriculum to life.”
