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.
Ian joined Access Economics as a Senior Consultant in August 2008, following a 25-year academic career, including 16 years in various roles at Melbourne Business School. In recognition of his service, Ian was elected Emeritus Professor of the University of Melbourne on his departure.
In October 2005 Ian was appointed inaugural Chairman of the Australian Fair Pay Commission. The Commission is an independent statutory body whose role is to set and adjust minimum wages in Australia.
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. More recently, he was elected to the ANU Faculty of Economics and Commerce Alumni Hall of Fame.