Economist

Summary

Economists perform economic research and analysis, and develop and apply theories relating to the production and distribution of goods and services and people's spending behaviour.

prEconomists advise and provide forecasts to governments and businesses on matters such as taxation levels, wages and prices, employment and unemployment, imports and exports and interest and exchange rates. They investigate international or national economic situations, or particular features such as industries or regions.

Duties & Tasks

Economists may perform the following tasks:

  • help formulate government economic policies
  • study the effects of government economic and monetary policies, expenditure, taxation and other budgetary controls on the economy and the community
  • identify opportunities to improve efficiency and international competitiveness
  • research, analyse and record the effects of government labour market programs on economic and industrial growth
  • investigate the types of goods and services that are produced and consumed in Australia and in other countries
  • study industrial relations issues such as wage fixation and the effect of industrial disputes on productivity
  • prepare forecasts, analyse trends and advise on economic issues
  • provide management personnel with economic information and advice.

Specialisations

Applied Industry Economist

An applied industry economist studies the economic aspects of industry structure and performance, specialising in sectors such as agriculture or manufacturing.

Econometrician

An econometrician uses economic theories, statistical methods and forecasting techniques to develop models. They feed data on possible future economic situations into models to see the likely results and wider implications of particular actions and advise industry or government on possible costs resulting from their policy decisions.

Environmental Economist

An environmental economist studies the environmental impact of projects and advises industry and government on environmental and natural resource management regulations. They also advise on the government's responsibilities in terms of international agreements and treaties about the environment.

Financial Economist

A financial economist advises on investment and lending policies by studying economic trends and policy. They study the effects of government legislation and policy change on the financial system and evaluate the economic and financial aspects of investment projects by preparing financial models and budget plans.

Labour Market Economist

A labour market economist studies the economic aspects of proposed government policy and its possible effects on the labour market. They recommend improvements in techniques for settling labour disputes and related problems to government agencies, business organisations or industrial groups. They study matters such as labour legislation, unemployment benefits, industrial accident provisions, education, collective bargaining, trade unions and industrial factors, and their impact on the labour market.

Resource Economist

A resource economist analyses policy and issues related to natural resource industries such as minerals, fisheries and forestry. This includes supply and demand of resources and how their extraction affects the environment.

Taxation Economist

A taxation economist studies sources of government income, the methods of expenditure and the effect of taxation and fiscal policy upon national income and overall business activity.

Transport Economist

A transport economist studies the efficiency, financial organisation and interaction of systems such as railways, air transport, shipping, trucks, buses and cars. They examine the allocation of private and government resources to transport systems and the implications of fuel production and importation. They also study the effects of regulation, development and the application of demand models, as well as analyse the implications of investment proposals in the transport industry.

Personal Requirements

  • able to think logically and analytically
  • able to discuss views clearly
  • able to write concisely
  • good at mathematics and statistical analysis.

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