Saul Eslake will join Grattan Institute as the Program Director for its Productivity Growth Program, Professor John Daley, Grattan Institute’s CEO, announced today. Saul joins Grattan Institute after 14 years as the Chief Economist at ANZ.

“We are delighted to have one of Australia’s most respected and forthright commentators on public policy and economics issues in Australia. He is a perfect fit with Grattan Institute’s mission to make a significant contribution to the national public policy debate,” Professor Daley added.

Grattan Institute is a new think tank aiming to shape the direction of debate on many of the important challenges facing Australia. It was set up with substantial support from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments, University of Melbourne and BHP Billiton.

“Saul will lead Grattan Institute’s investigation of the key drivers of national productivity growth, most recently highlighted on Tuesday by the Governor of the RBA, Glenn Stevens. He described productivity as the key to meeting expectations for future income and wealth”.

“I am excited to be joining Grattan Institute,” Saul Eslake said, “and look forward to contributing to its research program and engaging in the public debate that the work of the Institute will generate.”

“The opportunity to tackle the long term issues behind national productivity performance and the implications for government policy is much needed. Government policy on education, health, greenhouse emissions and demography all affect productivity growth: all require serious investigation and response,” he added.

Professor Daley also commented that Saul’s appointment would be the first in a number to be announced over coming months. “We are engaging the best minds as part of Grattan Institute to make substantial contributions in the areas of Cities, Energy, Water and School Education.”

Saul will take up his appointment on Tuesday 11 August.