Successful ageing for our community
by Geraldine Hinter
The effect of a US recession or slowdown and the future outlook for interest rates in Australia, along with tax-effective Wills and Trusts, were hot topics of discussion for more than 200 people attending UniSA’s Successful Ageing Seminar in July.
Sponsored by Australian Executive Trustees, Finance – The big questions was presented by UniSA’s Professor of Banking and Finance, Mervyn Lewis, and AET Senior Wills Consultant, Mark Jordan.
Prof Lewis says the US slowdown, along with falling home loan approvals and business borrowing in Australia, should see the Reserve Bank’s cash rate put on hold. "If these domestic conditions continue to weaken, we could see interest rate cuts," Prof Lewis said.
While it has been said that if the US sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold, Prof Lewis says Australian banks are in a much stronger position than their American counterparts. US-style lending excesses have largely been avoided and the balance sheets of Australian banks remain strong in comparison.
"For the first time in history, most of the world’s developing countries are experiencing strong growth, which will provide us with a buffer against the adverse impacts of a US recession," Prof Lewis said.
Two more Successful Ageing Seminars are planned for 2008.
Friday October 3 2008
2 – 4pm
Barbara Hanrahan Building,
City West campus
Social Networks and Living Option
Presenters Dr Mandy Stanley and Dr Katrina Jaworski discuss social networks, whether people need company to enjoy a happier and healthier lifestyle as they age, and explore better ways for people to manage loneliness.
Friday December 5 2008
2 - 4pm
Allan Scott Auditorium,
City West Campus
The Media – accountability?
Presenter Dr Jackie Cook will discuss the relevance of what we read, hear or see in the media, what to believe, and how to recognise fact from fiction.
For more information contact Helen Black, Senior Development Officer at +61 (8) 8302 0974