Post by Macquarie University

Over 500 Year 11 and 12 economics students from 21 schools across NSW visited Macquarie University this week to hear from prominent Australian leaders at the Echo Economics Conference. The Hon Malcolm Turnbull AC, 29th Prime Minister of Australia; Dr Steven Kennedy PSM, Secretary at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister and Cabinet; and Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission, shared insights on unlocking Australia's economic dynamism and the role of future economists. “Understand history, and it will help you navigate change and respond to challenges,” Dr Steven Kennedy said.  “You’ve seen today the impact of the choices made by governments and individuals in the past, and those choices will be yours, and they will matter for you, and importantly, they will matter for future generations.” Students were inspired to be curious, and the best place to start is studying economics, according to the Echo organisers, our keynote speakers and Professor Leonie Tickle, Executive Dean of Macquarie Business School.  “If you’ve ever wondered whether what happens in the university lecture theatre has an impact on the world, I can tell you that it does,” Professor Tickle said.  “I really hope that I see some of you back at Macquarie in the future to start your own remarkable paths here.”