SEBN Open Forum | ANZ Economic Update 2026

Gain practical insights into the economic forces shaping manufacturing and business growth across Melbourne's South East.

Manufacturing businesses across Greater Dandenong and the South East are continuing to operate in a highly dynamic and uncertain economic environment.

This briefing will focus on the key macroeconomic forces shaping business conditions in 2026 — including inflation, interest rates, labour markets, consumer demand and global instability — and what they mean in practical terms for local manufacturers.

As we move through 2026, critical questions for our region include:

• Macroeconomic outlook – is the global and Australian economy stabilising?
• Inflation pressures – while easing, are cost increases (energy, materials, wages) still impacting margins for local businesses?
• RBA and interest rates – has the tightening cycle peaked, and what is the next move in rates?
• Labour markets – are workforce shortages and skills gaps improving?
• Consumer spending activity – with households under pressure, how will changing spending patterns affect orders, production and growth?
• Supply chains and geopolitical risks – what does it mean for businesses?
• Australian dollar outlook – what does currency volatility mean for competitiveness and input costs?

This session will translate these complex economic themes into clear, practical insights.

We are pleased to welcome Sophia Angala, Economist at ANZ, who will provide expert analysis and a forward-looking perspective, followed by an interactive Question and Answer session.