Ian Harper

Professor Ian Harper is one of Australia’s best known academic 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 is currently Executive Director, Centre for Business and Public Policy at the Melbourne Business School, where he holds the Sidney Myer Chair of Commerce & Business Administration. From March to November 2004, Ian served as Acting Dean and Director of the School.
Ian works at the interface of business, public policy and academia. He has a recognised capacity to absorb, analyse and interpret complex economic data. Described as "one of those relatively rare academics who can communicate extremely well with both the business and the academic communities", Ian is a widely recognised public speaker, whose strength lies in his ability to promote vigorous discussion at conferences.
In October 2005 Ian Harper 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 is Principal of his own consulting company, Harper Associates Australia; a Senior Consultant with Access Economics and a senior adviser to Aon 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”.
As a trained economist, Ian Harper asks the ‘what if’ questions to help them see the ‘big picture’ and anticipate future developments in their own markets and beyond. Ian Harper understands the imperatives facing government and how they differ from those facing business. He assists clients to assess the public policy ramifications of their corporate strategy work using his experiences, insights and high level contacts within the public sector. A team player, Ian Harper focuses on forging the collective strength of enterprises by providing purpose and direction to make them stronger in the long term. Ian Harper has an excellent ability to articulate ideas, offer alternative perspectives and generate open group discussions that assist clients to benefit from the collective wisdom of group decision-making.

Speaker Topics Include:

Strategic Thinking
Government relations
Institution building
Ethics in business
Conflict and Issues Resolution
Economic Analysis
Global Economic Outlook
Regulation and Deregulation of Australia’s Financial Markets