July Business Luncheon An Economic Outlook
July 31 @ 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Join the Cairns Chamber of Commerce for our July Business Luncheon, presented by Pete Faulkner – Conus Consultancy Services.
Twelve months ago, the outlook was cautiously optimistic. Inflation was back in the target band, interest rates were falling, and the main challenge was structural; lifting Australia’s lagging productivity. What a difference a year makes.
War in the Middle East has triggered the largest oil supply disruption on record, sending fuel prices surging and reigniting inflation. The RBA has reversed course with three consecutive rate hikes, unwinding the relief delivered in 2025. And a shifting global trade landscape continues to create uncertainty for exporters. In this year’s Economic Outlook, Pete explores how these compounding shocks are reshaping the national, state and regional economic picture, and what it all means for businesses in the Far North.
When: Friday 31 July2026
Time: 11.30am – 2.00pm
Where: Reef Hotel Casino, 35-41 Wharf St, Cairns City
Cost: $75 Members | $95 Non-Members | $600 Table of 8
Inclusions: Welcome Drink on Arrival, Alternate Drop Main Course, Freshly Brewed Tea & Coffee
Dietary Requirements: If you, or any of your guests, have dietary requirements, please email admin@cairnschamber.com.au immediately after making your booking. We cannot guarantee that dietary requests advised after registration has closed for the event will be catered for.
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About the speaker
Pete Faulkner FAICD
Having graduated at the Bayes Business School in London, Pete spent 15 years in the City of London
as an investment banker in some of the world’s largest banks leading teams of traders, salespeople
and economists. For the past 20 years Pete has been a Partner in Conus Business Consultancy Services where his specialisations include strategic planning, business modelling, board governance and economic analysis. Pete is well-known for his analysis of regional economic data and has created many bespoke datasets covering labour markets, building approvals, income and inflation statistics for regional Australia. Pete is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Chair of the AICD Cairns Forum, a Non-executive Director and Deputy Chair of Terrain NRM, and a Non-executive
Director of Australian Chocolate. He has held Non-executive roles with numerous other organisations both in Australia and the UK over the past 30 years.
Pete is also a keen SCUBA diver and has been a PADI Master Instructor for 20 years. He has trained
hundreds of students and has a specialisation in marine identification and reef health surveying.
Sponsor | Elite Executive
| Elite Executive is proudly celebrating 14 years in business, having been founded by Eva Grabner in 2012 with a vision to deliver a more personalised, strategic and relationship-focused approach to recruitment. Built on genuine relationships, integrity and a deep understanding of each client’s culture and hiring needs, Elite Executive has grown into a boutique executive recruitment firm with strong national reach and a proven ability to source high-calibre talent for regional and remote communities across Australia. Partnering with private, government and multinational organisations, Elite Executive specialises in permanent, contract and temporary recruitment. The team is passionate about connecting exceptional executives with outstanding organisations, while bringing skilled leaders into our regions to strengthen businesses, support growth and enhance the communities we serve. |
Sponsor | Cairns Bank
| Cairns Bank has been proudly supporting the Cairns community with their banking needs for over 127 years. As a 100% customer-owned bank, we don’t have to answer to shareholders, just our customers and we pride ourselves on delivering personal, tailored banking solutions for them. We believe in putting people before profits, offering simple products, and providing exceptional service that makes customers proud to recommend us to their family and friends. Local, helpful and 100% customer owned: it’s the way banking should be. |