Famous Australian Economists

Alexander Downer is an Australian former diplomat and politician. From 1996 to 2007, Downer served as Australia's foreign minister, becoming the longest-serving Minister for Foreign Affairs in the history of Australian politics. He also served as the Liberal Party's leader from 1994 to 1995. Alexander Downer was honored with the prestigious Centenary Medal in January 2001.

Steve Keen is an Australian author and economist. One of the most important critics of neoclassical economics, Keen's work focuses on modeling American economist Hyman Philip Minsky's financial instability hypothesis. Steve Keen also served as a former associate professor at the University of Western Sydney.

Peter Costello is an Australian former politician and lawyer. From 1996 to 2007, Costello served as the Treasurer of Australia, becoming the longest-serving Australian Treasurer in history. Costello had an illustrious political career; from 1990 to 2009 he was an important member of the House of Representatives and from 1994 to 2007, he served as the Liberal Party's Deputy Leader.

John Hewson is an Australian former politician. Serving as the Liberal Party's leader from 1990 to 1994, Hewson led the Coalition to defeat at the federal election in 1993; the loss ultimately led to his retirement. Prior to his political career, Hewson worked as an economic advisor under the Fraser Government and was associated with the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Former premier of West Australia, Colin Barnett boasts of an economics degree and has lectured at the Western Australian Institute of Technology. He was dragged into a controversy when he granted Rio Tinto the right to destroy Aboriginal sites for mining. He has also been the Treasurer of Western Australia.

Australian economist Glenn Stevens is known for his 20-year stint at the Reserve Bank of Australia, part of it as its governor. A staunch Christian, he also plays the guitar at his local church. He has chaired the Australian Council of Financial Regulators and has headed the Anika Foundation.