SMASHING THE GLASS CEILINGS

FOR THE FIRST TIME, WOMEN ARE AT THE HELM OF AUSTRALIA'S TOP THREE PUBLIC ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS

- Jenny Wilkinson

It's taken 124 years, but for the first time in history, the Australian Treasury is being led by a woman. Given the field of economics is dominated by men, Jenny Wilkinson's recent appointment as treasury secretary is groundbreaking enough in itself, but, coupled with the fact that women also lead the country's other two most powerful economic institutions, it's a sign of changing times.

Michele Bullock heads the Reserve Bank as governor and Danielle Wood is chair of the Productivity Commission - and while women economists are still in the minority in universities and in the public and private sector, the leadership story is one worth celebrating.

WHO takes a closer look at the women now in charge of Australia's economy...

Jenny Wilkinson

FINANCE SECRETARY

Described by a colleague as “the best of the best”, Wilkinson taking the top finance job at the treasury was long expected in the halls of Canberra.

Wilkinson has risen through the ranks over the years, holding various senior positions within government finance.

She was involved in huge initiatives, including designing the $89 billion JobKeeper package during COVID. It contributed to her being awarded a medal in 2021 for outstanding public service.

She's also been described as having a good IQ and a sound EQ (emotional intelligence), unusual in the world of economists.