14 August 2025
Year 12 Economics students recently learned from leading economists during a panel discussion focused on contemporary economic issues relevant to their Economics Projects. The session featured three distinguished speakers: Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics at the University of South Australia, who addressed international trade and tariffs; Jasmin Douglas, Assistant Manager of Economic Research and Consulting at BDO Australia, who examined the housing crisis and potential solutions; and Christa Viljoen, UniSA Business Lecturer, who discussed how music events impact South Australia’s economy.
Kat Heinrich, Director at Rawtec and Schools Outreach Director for the Women in Economics Network (WEN), moderated the discussion and facilitated student questions directly related to their project work. The speakers’ diverse backgrounds provided valuable insights into various economics career pathways, from academic research to private sector consulting.
The session demonstrated practical applications of economic theory and highlighted economics’ relevance in addressing real-world challenges. This initiative provided an excellent opportunity to bridge classroom learning with industry expertise, broadening students’ understanding of economics and its global significance.
Mary Pettinger and Jeremy Borgas
Commerce Coordinator and Year 12 Economics Teachers
