Treasury welcomes new leader

The Secretary of the Department of Finance will make history as the first woman to lead Treasury, commencing June 16.

Jenny Wilkinson will replace Steven Kennedy, who is taking on a new role of Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Both have been appointed to a five-year term.

Kennedy has served as Treasury Secretary since September 2019.

Wilkinson brings a range of experience in the Australian public service sector; she was previously Deputy Secretary, Fiscal Group of the Treasury and the Parliamentary Budget Officer between 2017 and 2020.

She also held other senior positions at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; the Department of Industry; the Department of Climate Change; and the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Aside from her work experience, Wilkinson served as a member on the ANU Tax Transfer Institute advisory board, the ANU College of Business and Economics advisory board, the Grattan institute Public Policy Committee and the Melbourne Institute advisory board.

Commenting, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Wilkinson has been instrumental in formulating the economic response to COVID-19 and the implementation of JobKeeper, as well as the preparation of the past four budgets under the Labor government.

"Jenny is one of Australia's most distinguished and experienced economists and public servants and has served with distinction under governments of both political persuasions," Chalmers said.

"I am really pleased that someone with her skills and experience will guide and lead the department, as we continue to develop and implement our economic agenda."

Chalmers also thanked Kennedy for his service.

"I'm so grateful to Steven Kennedy for our very close and effective partnership over the past three years, for his friendship over a much longer period, for his service to my predecessor as well, and for the chance to work with him now in his new role," Chalmers continued.

"It was such a valued opportunity to work with him at Treasury.

"Steven and Jenny are the best of the best. Outstanding public servants and even better people. I'm really happy for them both and they should be very proud."