QMCA Economic Outlook Networking Breakfast
Join QMCA and Cbus Super as we set the scene for Queensland and Australia’s economic outlook in 2025.
What are the challenges, opportunities and realities that will define Australia’s and Queensland’s economic outlook in 2025? Challenging international tensions, rising energy and fuel costs, supply chain constraints, increasing labour costs and IR changes created challenging conditions for businesses and consumers alike in 2023-2024, but what trends will we see in the year ahead? How will Australia’s economy and outlook impact the construction and infrastructure sectors?
Cbus Super’s James Crawford and Alex Miller will join us for breakfast to share their insights and discuss the current macroeconomic environment, market outlook and key investment challenges over the short to medium term.
James Crawford – Head Investment Specialist
James is the Head Investment Specialist at Cbus Super, a profit-to-member superannuation fund with assets approaching A$90bn. James represents Cbus’ investment function with a range of internal and external audiences, building and maintaining relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure the investment proposition is communicated clearly to support the growth and strategic aspirations of the Fund.
As a senior member of the Investment team, James has responsibility for developing and evolving the narrative of Cbus’ investment portfolio, philosophy and broader investment proposition. He also provides strategic support to the Growth team to expand Cbus’ asset and member base. This role requires James to conduct/coordinate research and reports with Cbus’ Investment Strategy team into emerging domestic and global trends across peer fund models and approaches.
Previously at Cbus, James was the Head of Equities Portfolio Construction and had overall responsibility for the management of ~$45bn in equity mandates across Cbus’ internal and external managers and for the ongoing expansion of Cbus’ internal equity asset management capabilities.
Prior to moving to Cbus in 2021, James was the Global Head of Investment Specialists at First Sentier Investors (then Colonial First State Global Asset Management) and held similar investment specialist roles at Wellington Management Company and Alliance Bernstein, where he was the Asia-Pacific Market Leader (of investment specialists). Before his fifteen years with these global asset managers, James was the Head of (Investment) Strategy and Business Development at IAG Asset Management and a Principal and Head of the Asia-Pacific Research Steering Committee in the asset consulting practice at Towers Perrin.
James has a Bachelor, Graduate Diploma and Masters of Economics (with majors in Finance and Statistics) from the Australian National University and was a guest lecturer for the Certified Investment Management Analysts (CIMA) Society from 2001 to 2006 and at the UTS Business School from 2006 to 2010.
Alex Miller – Director, Infrastructure
Alex Miller has over 20 years of investment and infrastructure experience spanning superannuation, advisory, project finance, industry and government. Alex joined Cbus in 2016 and is currently Director, Infrastructure. His responsibilities include leading deal teams on the origination, execution and asset management of direct investments (including brownfield, greenfield and renewable investments), co-investments and fund manager investments for the Cbus Infrastructure team. Alex has previously held senior roles at KPMG (Infrastructure and Projects Group), Lloyds Banking Group (Project Finance), EnergyAustralia Network, Duke Energy International and Queensland Treasury.
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Making hard work pay off
As one of Australia’s leading industry super funds, we are focused on providing strong long term retirement outcomes* for members and helping employers manage their business superannuation needs. With Cbus, you can expect simple administration, superannuation support and reliable service when and where you need it. The super environment can be complex to navigate, which is why we are here to support and keep you informed about legislative or industry changes so you can focus on what you do best – building your business. Visit cbussuper.com.au or call 1300 361 784 to find out how Cbus Super can support your business super needs.
*Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. This information is about Cbus and doesn’t take into account your specific needs. You should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination to decide if Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au for a copy. United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as Trustee for the Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund ABN 75 493 363 262 (Cbus and/or Cbus Super)
