QFI - News

Report: Economic Outlook 2026

Written by | Oct 13, 2026, 12:48:09 AM

 

Queensland has significant economic opportunities ahead, though realising them will depend on how effectively the state lifts productivity, attracts investment and builds the capability to support its next phase of growth.

That was a central theme of this year's QFI Economic Outlook Forum on
9 September, where leaders from across economics, finance, government
and industry examined the forces shaping Queensland’s economic future.

Our panel was expertly moderated by keynote speaker Danielle Wood,
Chair, Productivity Commission
.

📈 Panellists
💡 Dennis Molloy, Executive Director Sustainability, Economics and External Engagement, Queensland Treasury Corporation
💡  Richard Yetsenga, Group Chief Economist and Head of Research, ANZ Banking Group

Some of the key insights included:

  • Productivity is fundamental to living standards, yet Australia’s average productivity growth has fallen to just 0.3% over the past decade.

  • AI could provide a significant productivity uplift, but capturing that opportunity will depend on business adoption, workforce capability and the right regulatory and infrastructure settings.

  • Queensland’s economic opportunity is increasingly connected to global shifts, from geopolitical uncertainty and critical minerals to the energy transition and changing patterns of investment.

  • Housing supply, regulation and infrastructure are more than social or planning issues; they are economic issues that affect productivity, workforce participation and the ability of cities and regions to grow.

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PANELLISTS:

KEYNOTE AND MODERATOR: DANIELLE WOOD
Chair
Productivity Commission

DENNIS MOLLOY
Executive Director, Sustainability, Economics and External Engagement
Queensland Treasury Corporation

RICHARD YETSENGA
Group Chief Economist and
Head of Research
ANZ Banking Group