Curtin University’s Head of Research in the School of Economics and Finance, Professor Jeffrey Petchey, has been appointed a Commissioner to the Commonwealth Grants Commission.
Professor Petchey is the first West Australian to be appointed to the Commission since 1965.
The Commission is an independent body that makes recommendations on the distribution of GST revenue amongst the states and territories to ensure they all have funding to deliver broadly equivalent services in key areas, including health and education.
Commissioners are appointed for a five-year period and typically have an extensive background in federal and state financial matters.
The Curtin academic said he was overwhelmed to receive a prestigious appointment.
“It is a great honour to be able to apply my knowledge and make a positive contribution to public policy making in Australia,” Professor Petchey said.
“I have always wanted at some stage in my academic career to be able to make a contribution to policy making and this is a very exciting opportunity for me.”
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hackett said Professor Petchey’s appointment was a milestone achievement for someone who has worked tirelessly to build his expertise and reputation in public finance and economics.
“During his time at Curtin, Professor Petchey has achieved some outstanding results,” Professor Jeanette Hackett said.
“His appointment to the Commission reflects the quality and calibre of his work and his commitment to his staff, students and research.”
Professor Petchey started at Curtin in 1997 as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the School of Economics and Finance.
During his time at Curtin, he has published thirty-five articles on the topic of fiscal federalism, fiscal equalisation and environmental economics in a number of national and international journals.
Contacts:
Karys Nella, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 3353, Mobile: Email: karys.nella@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://curtin.edu.au
Jeffrey Petchey, Head of Research in the School of Economics and Finance, Curtin University
Tel: 9266 3241 Email: J.Petchey@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://curtin.edu.au
