At the very heart of CPRC’s work is our role as an interconnector between sectors. Now more than ever we must remain socially connected, despite our physical distance. Therefore, our planned Policy Connect Event Series is going ahead in 2020 but in a virtual setting.

The lives of consumers are changing on an unprecedented scale as COVID-19 exposes the frailties of existing consumer markets that often don't meet the needs of the people they are meant to serve. It is a critical time to shape emerging thinking on how to improve outcomes for consumers, and the role of market stewards across the sectors.

Join CPRC and experts from across sectors to discuss:

The experiences of older people across consumer markets such as home care, retirement villages, energy and other essential services, including the release of CPRC’s new research report. Has the vision of choice and control eventuated? What is happening in practice, and how is market design impacting the way older people experience and access the products and services they need? How have challenges been amplified by COVID-19?
Towards markets that work for people. What’s on the other side of COVID-19 for markets? How can markets, products and services be better designed to meet people's needs, preferences and the realities of consumer decision-making?

Agenda:

9.00am	Introduction	CPRC CEO, Lauren Solomon
9.10am	Presentation of CPRC Report	CPRC Senior Research and Policy Manager, Ben Martin Hobbs
9.30am	Panel 1: How do older consumers experience markets? How have challenges been amplified as we have been dealing with the impacts of COVID-19?	Facilitators CPRC CEO, Lauren Solomon and CPRC Research and Policy Director, Emma O'Neill Panelists Commissioner for Senior Victorians – Gerard Mansour Head of Behavioural Research and Policy, ASIC – Sarah Edmondson Co-chair, EveryAGE Counts Campaign – Kirsty Nowlan
10.10am	Online Q&A session commences
10.25am	Short break
10.40am	Panel 2: What’s on the other side of COVID-19 for markets? How can we ensure design that works for people is implemented?	Facilitators Lauren Solomon and Emma O'Neill Panelists CEO, COTA Australia – Ian Yates CEO, Centre for Inclusive Design – Manisha Amin Board Member, Australian Energy Regulator – Catriona Lowe
11.20am	Online Q&A session commences
11.40am	Short break
11.45am	Video	Interim CEO, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute – Katie Alpin
11.55am	Wrap up and invitation to connect	Lauren Solomon

Speakers:

Ben Martin Hobbs Senior Research and Policy Manager, Consumer Policy Research Centre
Gerard Mansour Commissioner for Senior Victorians
Catriona Lowe Board Member, Australian Energy Regulator
Sarah Edmondson Senior Executive Leader, Behavioural Unit, Australian Securities and Investments Commission
Ian Yates Chief Executive, Council on the Ageing Australia
Dr Kirsty Nowlan Executive Director, Strategic Engagement, Research and Advocacy, Benevolent Society
Dr Manisha Amin Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Inclusive Design
Katie Alpin Interim Chief Executive Officer, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute (via video from the UK)