Grattan's Danielle Wood to chair Productivity Commission
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The News: The Albanese government has appointed Grattan Institute chief executive Danielle Wood to chair the Productivity Commission, after the previously announced candidate, Victorian Treasury's Chris Barrett, decided against taking the role.
The numbers: Wood will be the first woman to lead the commission, and will serve a term of five years. Subject to the approval of the Governor General, Wood will begin her new role as soon as possible, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said.
The context: Wood is an economist who has previously worked at the ACCC, the Productivity Commission and NERA Economic Consulting. She is also president of the Economic Society of Australia. The Grattan Institute is on the hunt for a new chief executive, a role Wood has held since July 2020. She will continue in her role with the think tank until 10 November to assist with the leadership transition. Meanwhile, Barrett will take up the role of Secretary of Victoria's Department of Treasury and Finance in December, replacing David Martine.
What they said: “The Productivity Commission is a critical institution and has a big role to play in helping Australia deal with the major shifts underway in the economy and looking for new ways to turn them to our advantage," Wood said in a statement.
"The PC has been a hugely important organisation to me personally — it’s a privilege to be returning and an honour to have the opportunity to lead it at such an important time.
