Power in Numbers
Description
For the first time in Australia's history, women economists lead three of our top economic institutions - Treasury, the Reserve Bank and the Productivity Commission.
Power in Numbers celebrates their achievements, profiling Jenny Wilkinson, Michele Bullock and Danielle Wood alongside thirteen trailblazing women who have shaped Australian economics over the past two centuries.
Drawing on interviews and historical research, economists Catie Bradbear and Melissa Bray explore the pivotal moments, the strengths and challenges that have defined these women's careers, including their sliding door moments, their superpowers and their struggles. Shared themes emerge, including the influence of great teachers, the importance of mentors and networks, and the persistence required to succeed in a profession where women have long been underrepresented.
Against the odds these women have emerged as leaders, using economics as a tool to improve lives and build a better society.
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Persons
Melissa Bray is an economist, a former Treasury senior executive, and has worked as an adviser to two Treasury ministers. A member of the executive committee of the ACT Women in Economics Network, she works as a freelance journalist, and has edited two publications. Her first book, Australian Carillonists, was highly commended in the 2025 ACT Literary Awards.
Catie Bradbear is an economist and senior executive with the Productivity Commission who has delivered inquiries on pressing economic, social and environmental issues. She has advocated strongly for greater representation of women in economics, through leading mentoring programs and as an inaugural member of the executive committee of the ACT Women in Economics Network.