I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Gwenneth (Wendy) Craik AM to the Reserve Bank Board. Dr Craik has been appointed as a part-time member of the Board for a five-year period from 7 May 2018.
Dr Craik has a deep and varied range of experience across a range of areas of economic policy, which will enable her to make a strong contribution to the Reserve Bank Board. Dr Craik is the current Chair of the Climate Change Authority, the Steering Committee of the National Environmental Science Program Climate Science and Earth Systems Hub, and the NSW Marine Estate Management Authority.
She is also a Board Member on the Advisory Board for the Centre for Strategy and Governance and the Australian Farm Institute. Previous appointments include CEO of the Murray Darling Basin Commission, Executive Director of the National Farmers' Federation, Commissioner of the Productivity Commission, and Deputy Chancellor of the University of South Australia.
She received a Federation of Australia Medal in 2001 and a Member of the Order of Australia in 2007 for her service to the natural resource sector and for her contributions to policies affecting rural and regional Australia. She holds a PhD in Zoology from the University of British Columbia, as well as a Graduate Diploma of Management from Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education.
Dr Craik has had considerable experience living and working in regional Queensland and has served in a number of leadership positions focused on improving outcomes for rural and regional communities.
Dr Craik's commencement on the Reserve Bank Board coincides with the conclusion of Ms Kathryn Fagg's term on 6 May 2018. Ms Fagg made an important contribution to Reserve Bank Board deliberations through a challenging period for the Australian economy, The Government is particularly appreciative of Ms Fagg's work as Chair of the Reserve Bank Board Audit Committee and as the Board's representative on the Note Printing Australia Ltd Board. I thank her for her service and wish her every success for the future.
This appointment has been made in accordance with section 14 of the Reserve Bank Act 1959, under which the Treasurer appoints Reserve Bank Board members.