Bill Evans eats out a lot, but he rarely lunches. So he's looking forward to our meal in the expansive and luminous atrium of Sydney's GPO. Westpac's veteran chief economist has picked the place because he's eaten there with mates a few times, and he's always found it good. (I agree.)

Evans is already there when I arrive, standing by our table. We've spoken on the phone a few times before, exchanged emails for one story or another over the years. But this is the first time we have met in person, and Evans greets me warmly. He is chuffed, and so am I.