Two of Western Australia’s most iconic institutions, Bankwest and Curtin University, have announced the formation of a major new economic research centre to help build a sustainable economic future for Western Australia.
The significant financial commitment being made by both institutions reinforces their dedication to enhancing Western Australia and the State’s economic prospects.
The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre will foster local development by building economic models that will significantly boost capability in WA for economic forecasting and the analysis of economic and policy scenarios. A key focus for the Centre will be the examination of population, workforce and housing issues facing Western Australia as well as tax, regulation, trade and industry developments.
The Centre embodies the commitment by both Bankwest and Curtin to support initiatives for the benefit of the State.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket was delighted to announce the partnership with Bankwest.
“The next decade provides great opportunities for WA, as it seeks to capitalise on record-high terms of trade and the growing global demand for the State’s natural resources,” Professor Hacket said.
“The Centre will provide business and policy makers with the highest quality research and analysis of the big economic, financial and social issues facing WA.”
Bankwest Managing Director Rob De Luca was pleased with the formation of the research partnership, continuing the proud history of collaboration between the two institutions.
“Bankwest has had a successful relationship with Curtin University since the late 1990’s,” Mr De Luca said.
“The formation of the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre reaffirms Bankwest’s commitment to Western Australia, and highlights both Curtin’s and the Bank’s economic thought leadership and unwavering support of the people of WA.”
“Western Australia’s economy is powering the rest of the nation, and ensuring the benefits of the current boom conditions continue to flow to all Western Australians into the future, is a key objective of the Centre.”
The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre sits within the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy (JCIPP), part of Curtin Business School, and will draw upon expertise from across Curtin and other Australian institutions. It will regularly produce research-driven material about the local and national economies for the betterment of WA.
An advisory board for the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre has also been formed and will include Professor Jeanette Hacket, Vice-Chancellor Curtin University and Mr Rob De Luca, Managing Director Bankwest; Professor Tony Travaglione, Pro Vice-Chancellor Curtin Business School; the Bankwest Professor of Economic Policy; Suzanne Tindal, Bankwest Chief Executive Strategy and Reputation; Gill Rees, Bankwest Chief Executive Human Resources, and Mr David Christmas, Director of Strategic Policy from the Department of Treasury.
An official launch event will be held in the coming period.
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For more information contact:
Russell Quinn, Bankwest Media Manager
0467 717 209; russell.quinn@bankwest.com.au
Julia Nicol, Director, Public and Community Relations, Curtin University
08 9266 7711; 0409 202134; j.k.nicol@curtin.edu.au
