By james art 
NAB CEO Andrew Ervine appeared in the Morning Call Weekend edition to share his prospects for the world economy and the year.
In a wide-ranging discussion, Mr. Ervine reflects on global commercial policies, the housing crisis and how the industry works to combat fraudsters.
Economics: 2025 will be a better year than 2024.
G -n -Ervine said Australia entered this period with very strengths.
“We are a commercial country, so we rely on commerce streams more than many other countries,” said G -n -Ervine.
“But we have a very diverse set of commercial flows with a frank, more focus on Asia and Southeast Asia. I think this puts us in good position.
“This is said when there is uncertainty and anxiety, this is not good for anyone and is certainly not good for Australia.”
G -n -Ervine also noted that, compared to many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia was better laid due to macroeconomic foundations, including its strong migration and resource benefits.
“This was true in the euro area economy when I was in Paris and so it happens, I think, it makes you feel how happy we are to live in Australia. Despite how difficult it is here, we are still in a better position than most others (nations).
“The biggest problem we have in Australia is the lack of performance. This is the first, second and third issue we encounter. And this is manifested throughout the board, including in the residential crisis we have. “
Reflecting on NAB’s last monthly business survey, Mr. Ervine said it was difficult for many companies, but he remains optimistic about long-term economic prospects.
“Business is doing, as well as consumers, but it’s hard,” said G -Navine.
“Trust will be important here because it leads to investment and hiring solutions.
“If we see a reduction in points with 25 foundations next week from RBA, I think this will continue to add to confidence.
“I continue to be optimistic for Australia and I feel that 2025 will be a better year than 2024”
Housing: Deliveries problem
G -Ervin welcomes changes made in HECS treatment this week, saying that young Australians will make it easier to enter the market, but said it should be done more when it comes to housing.
“On margin, this means that many younger Australians can borrow a little more today than they could be last week,” said G -Ervine about the new changes to HECS made by the Ministry of Finance.
“I think it’s nice for the Australians, but I repeat that 95% of the problem here is delivery.
“If we manage to get more houses coming to the market, it will provide more opportunities for people to enter the housing market.”
G -n -Ervine said in Australia, three things are needed to help stimulate home supply.
“We really need to achieve more housing construction. We need more immigrants with construction skills. We need a simplified and faster planning permit.
“All these things must be considered, as well as methods and modalities of construction. We see more use of things as modular and I think this will have a big impact on construction here in Australia.
“If you do not repair supply and add to the search, all you will do is increase prices.”
Fraud and Fraud: Closing the Australia’s door of criminals
Prior to the government fraud prevention framework (SPF), it was adopted this week, G -N -Ervine said his critical all industries were working together to stop the crime before it happened.
“The question we need to solve is how to make Australia the hardest place for criminals to take our hard-earned money,” said Mr. Ervine.
“The focus we had as an industry working with government and telecommunications works. Fraud and fraud losses fall in this country in a way that they do not fall into some other global jurisdictions.
“We have to make all our efforts to train our customers and improve our capabilities to make it difficult for criminals.”
G -n -Ervine warned that AI would “increase” for all industries.
“Deep counterfeits are coming and we will have to continue to innovate about this because criminals will surely do it,” he said.