Overview
- Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the appointment following an independent selection process with consultation of the Coalition.
- A shortlist was compiled by RBA Governor Michele Bullock, former Treasury head Martin Parkinson and Treasury Secretary Jenny Wilkinson.
- Preston, a University of New South Wales professor and former Treasury and RBA economist, has called for clearer central bank communications, including in a 2020 paper.
- His appointment lifts the number of trained economists on the nine-member monetary policy committee to eight.
- He replaces Alison Watkins, with another change likely when Ian Harper’s term ends in August.