A day to exchange perspectives on an economy that is focused on wellbeing rather than GDP.

The global Church is encouraging a shift towards ecological economics. Meanwhile, our Federal and State Governments are both introducing wellbeing budgets that include quality of life measures to counter excessive focus on GDP. Join us for a conversation about these two paradigms, how they overlap, and how any of us might draw on them in our own work. All welcome!

Agenda:

9.00-10.00: Realities of the GDP/growth economy

Welcome message from Prof Anne Poelina, University of Notre Dame Australia

Testimonials from the frontline:

Fiorella Vayda from Surry Hills parish
Donna Boyd from St Vincent de Paul Customer Service Centre Redfern
Moe Turaga, modern slavery survivor advocate

10.30-11.30: Ecological Economics

A Just Economy: Fr Peter Smith

Case study about a volunteer-run mental health drop-in centre: Dr Michael Walker, Cailey Sharp & Isaac Zammit

12.30-1.30: Wellbeing Economics - Panel discussion

Moderator: Dr Julie Macken

Guest speaker from the Federal Government
Jenny Stanger from Australian Catholic Anti-slavery Network
Prof Sharon Bessell from ANU

2.00-3.00: “What does this mean in my organisation?” – Small group break-outs

Four themes:

Divestment and positive investment
Language and story; breaking through the belief that “There Is No Alternative” to the GDP economy
How do we value non-financial goods adequately?
How do we advocate for change?