Grattan Institute CEO appointed to lead Productivity Commission
Danielle Wood, chief executive of the Grattan Institute, has been named the next chair of the Productivity Commission (PC) for a term of five years and will be the first woman to lead the commission or any of its predecessor agencies.
In July, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the appointment of Chris Barrett, deputy secretary of the economic division in the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance, to the role.
However, it is understood Barrett will not proceed with the appointment and will instead step up as secretary of the Victorian department.
“Ms Wood is an outstanding economist who will bring exceptional public policy expertise to the Productivity Commission. Her track record of leadership and innovative research at the Grattan Institute will greatly contribute to the PC’s mission,” said Chalmers.
She was previously the principal economist and director of merger investigations at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for three years, a senior economist at NERA Economic Consulting for two years, and a senior research economist at the Productivity Commission for five years.
In 2016, she co-founded the Women in Economics Network, linked to the Economic Society of Australia, and served as its inaugural chair for almost three years.
Chalmers explained that Wood’s appointment follows a merit-based process involving interviews with two departmental secretaries and the APS Commissioner.
“Subject to the governor-general’s approval, Ms Wood will take up her position as soon as possible. Until then, the standing acting arrangements will apply,” he said.
“I thank Mr Barrett and wish him well with future endeavours. He is a talented and experienced public policy professional who will continue to make a meaningful contribution.”
The Treasurer has previously described the commission as one of Australia’s core economic institutions, playing a key role in identifying the policy reforms that can drive economic growth.
The appointment of its new chair follows the end of incumbent Michael Brennan’s five-year term in September.
He commenced in September 2018, and had previously been the deputy secretary, fiscal group, in the Federal Treasury with responsibility for budget policy, retirement incomes, Commonwealth-State relations, social policy and infrastructure financing.
Like Barrett, Brennan also once served as deputy secretary, economics in the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance.
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I am disappointed by this appointment. Ms Wood has a lot of ideas about raising taxes and increasing middle-class welfare for her preferred beneficiaries but I have not read one word suggesting an interest in productivity. Her views seem closely aligned with ALP policy. I see the Productivity Commission as of an independent mind, prepared to speak truth to power. Ms Wood seems less likely to push back against lousy Labor policy. I expect this will be at a cost to Labor and Chalmers.
FWIW I see no case in equity for an inheritance tax, likely to be a tax on the middle class, but wouldn't object to a review of the 50% CGT discount so long as the change does not make as uncompetitive internationally. I agree superannuation should not be tax-free in pension paying mode.