Professor Ian Harper

B.Econ. (Hons) (Qld) M.Ec. Ph.D. (ANU) FASSA FAICD

Ian Harper is one of Australia's best known economists. He has worked closely with governments, banks, corporates and leading professional services firms at the highest level. As a member of the celebrated Wallis Inquiry, he was at the forefront of financial market reform in Australia.

In August 2008, Ian joined Access Economics where he is now a Director, following a 25-year academic career, including 16 years in various roles at Melbourne Business School. In recognition of his service to the University of Melbourne, Ian was elected Emeritus Professor on his departure.

From December 2005 to July 2009, Ian served as inaugural Chairman of the Australian Fair Pay Commission, an independent statutory body whose role was to set and adjust minimum wages in Australia.

In July 2010, Ian was appointed to the Australian Advisory Board of Bank of America Merrill Lynch along with three others.

Ian Harper is sought after as a commentator and public speaker on economic and financial issues. He has been described as "one of those relatively rare academics who can communicate extremely well with both the business community and the academic community".

In 2000, Ian was elected to a Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia in recognition of his standing as an academic economist and more recently to a Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.