Hardly a day goes by when we do not hear or read issues in the news of ‘consumer spending down’, the ‘Australian dollar rising’, and ‘business sentiment at a five-year low’. We also often hear a politician or editorial writer advocating a change in economic policy. If you think these issues are very complex, you are correct - they are complex. But those who think these issues have little to do with them need to think again. Whether you can find a job or afford an overseas holiday depends on events in the macro economy. This programme provides a useful starting point to explore the nature and purpose of macroeconomic activity in contemporary Australia, and the implications for our standard of living and long-term economic prosperity. It will assist students to understand the nature and importance of the Australian Government’s key economic goals including low inflation, strong and sustainable economic growth, full employment, external stability and equity of income distribution.