Dr Martin Parkinson PSM
A public policy powerhouse, Martin is an inspirational figure both as a high-profile alumnus who has contributed to real public policy change, and for his active involvement in supporting education and ANU.
Martin joined The Treasury in 1981 after completing a Bachelor of Economics at the University of Adelaide. Now, over 30 years later, and with a Master of Economics from ANU and a PhD from Princeton, Martin is the nation’s chief economic adviser.
Martin was appointed Secretary to the Treasury in March 2011, and in that role is a member of the Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Chair of the Advisory Board of the Australian Office of Financial Management, a member of the Council of Financial Regulators and the Board of Taxation and Infrastructure Australia.
Serving as Deputy Secretary to the Treasury from 2001 to 2006, he has also worked at the International Monetary Fund and was a Senior Adviser to Treasurer Dawkins. He headed the Climate Change Group in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet early in 2007, and was appointed inaugural Secretary of the Department of Climate Change later that year.
In late 2015, Martin was named as the new secretary of Prime Minister and Cabinet. He commenced on January 23, 2016.
Martin’s public policy contributions are substantial. He has made significant contributions to the delivery of the Asian Century White Paper, the Gonski Review of Funding for Schooling, aged care reform, the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the National Broadband Network and the Prime Minister’s Manufacturing Taskforce. He was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2008.
Martin has delivered numerous lectures at ANU, and has generously shared his experiences as a policy maker with students in addresses to the ANU Postgraduate Economics Forum and at graduation ceremonies. In 2010 he was inducted into the ANU College of Business and Economics Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame for his contributions to public policy.
Martin is a Member of the University’s Sir Roland Wilson Foundation Board which advances the study and development of public policy and management within Australia and internationally.
