Media Release RBA Economics Competition 2008 Awards

The Reserve Bank is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008 RBA Economics Competition. This competition is run by the Bank in conjunction with the UNSW Economics Society.

• First prize ($1500): Amy Wagner, the University of Queensland
• Second prize ($750): Louise Burns, Curtin University of Technology
• Best essay from a first year student ($500): Rhea Thrift, the University of Newcastle

These essays – which addressed the trends in housing costs and affordability in Australia over the past two decades and the role of government in improving housing affordability – stood out among a number of good entries.

Essays were submitted by students from 15 different universities in Australia.

Prizes will be presented to these students by the Governor at a ceremony at the Reserve Bank of Australia in Sydney in October.

Congratulations to each of the winners and to those who submitted an entry to the competition.

The Reserve Bank is pleased to announce that it will be sponsoring a similar essay competition next year, with the question and other details to be announced in May 2009.