Understanding the Australian economy: An introduction to macroeconomic and financial policies

This course covers four modules and four weeks of selected aspects of Australia's economy. It focuses on macroeconomics and financial policy. Participants will be introduced to key characteristics of Australia's economy and discussed how these are affected by domestic and international forces. We will discuss some of the major issues and challenges facing Australia's economy, and how policymakers can address them with monetary and fiscal policies. A discussion will be held on the global financial crisis of 2007-2010, its lessons learned and how policymakers respond to it. Discussions will focus on sound economic theories and reasoning and use actual data when possible. The course will include applications of economic reasoning and theories to real-world problems relating to Australia's economy. The course includes lectures and interviews with experts and practitioners. It is not necessary to have any prior economic knowledge.