Academy Fellow

In 1962, the year after gaining First Class Honours in Economics at the University of Adelaide, I was appointed as a full-time Tutor in Economics at the University. During that year, I was appointed as a P2/P3 grade permanent member of staff of the International Labour Office (ILO), in Geneva, Switzerland. In 1963, together with my new bride, Ros, I set off on a professional journey that has carried us world-wide, but always back to Adelaide as a base.

After three years at the ILO, I gained an Earhart Scholarship to study for a PhD in Economics and Education at Columbia University, New York. I was awarded my PhD in 1969, the year I took up my appointment as Senior Lecturer in Economics at Flinders University. In 1974, I was promoted to Reader; and in 1975 I was appointed as a Professor.

From 1980-1992, I was also Director of the National Institute of Labour Studies Inc. at Flinders University. During this period, I was a member of several Inquiries as an Associate Commissioner (part-time) of the Industries Assistance Commission in Canberra.

In 1981, I was elected as a Fellow of the Academy. My published research has always concentrated on labour economics, economic development, economics of education and population economics.

From 1992-1994, I was appointed Ronald F. Henderson Professor of Applied Economics and Social Research and, Director of the Institute of Applied Economics and Social Research, at the University of Melbourne.

In 1994, I was approached to become CEO of the South Australian Development Council (a body of business leaders in Adelaide reporting directly to Premier Dean Brown). I held that position from 1995-1997, when Dean Brown lost his premiership.

I then formed AustralAsia*Economics Pty Ltd (AA*E), a tiny economics consulting business, with the former Deputy CEO of the South Australian Development Council. We never made a loss, and we traded on our good names to generate adequate annual incomes. We wound AA*E up five years ago.

During this time, I held a number of honorary appointments, including as an Adjunct Professor of Economics in the Business School at the University of South Australia.

I have been a member (from time to time) of 18 advisory bodies from 1981 to the present. I am still a member of the Business and Economic Development Committee of the Norwood, Payneham and St Peter’s Council, on which I have served for 9 years.

I have published more than 120 articles in various journals; delivered more than 130 papers at conferences and seminars; and written more than 20 reports to various clients of AA*E.