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Pat Bustamante

Pat joined Westpac Group as a Senior Economist in August 2022. He covers a range of topics with a focus on the Australian economy and macroeconomic policy. He has also worked across several business lines, including Westpac Business Bank, St.George Bank, BankSA, Bank of Melbourne and BT. Prior to this, Pat was an economic adviser to the Federal Treasurer, the Hon Josh Frydenberg, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This involved advising the Federal Treasurer on the economy and appropriate macroeconomic policy settings, with a focus on taxation policy.

Articles

Article title Business cashflow is improving on disciplined cost control

Article descriptionAustralian businesses are successfully managing the slowdown in consumer spending by controlling their costs and finding efficiencies, according to the latest Westpac quarterly business snapshot.

By AuthorPat Bustamante
Senior Economist, Westpac Group
6 mins

Article title Businesses feeling more confident to invest for growth

Article descriptionAustralian businesses face uncertain conditions from a position of strength, with many now investing to position themselves for growth as the economy recovers.

By AuthorPat Bustamante
Senior Economist, Westpac Group
5 mins

Article title Report highlights Australia’s productivity challenge

Article descriptionThe Intergenerational Report underlines the economic challenges we’re likely to face in the years ahead, unless governments and businesses take a pro-active approach to boosting the nation’s productivity.

By AuthorPat Bustamante
Senior Economist, Westpac Group
5 mins

Article title Premature end to property downturn will add to renters’ pain

Article descriptionEarly signs that Australian property prices are bottoming out could close off a potential escape route for renters facing a record increase in advertised rents this year.

By AuthorBesa Deda and AuthorPat Bustamante 4 mins

Article title Rental squeeze to get worse before it gets better

Article descriptionThe rental market is extremely tight and will only get tighter, with a surge in inward migration and a lack of new apartment supply set to put more upward pressure on rents.

By AuthorPat Bustamante and AuthorJameson Coombs 5 mins

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