About Us | Policy Institute Australia

We advocate for generational reform differently, by tackling the toughest issues facing our economy with a pragmatic approach – conducting research, exploration, and analysis, and importantly, following through by with practical and actionable ideas and solutions.

We don’t get stuck in debating the “what” of our nation’s challenges, but aim to bring fresh ideas about “the how” to address them. Our aim is to inspire a national dialogue that builds confidence in the power of change, connecting policy with possibility.

Philanthropically funded, non-partisan and evidence-led, our independence means we tackle challenges others might avoid, and putting the interests of all Australians at the heart of all we do.

For Australia’s long-term prosperity

Our philosophy

We believe in the long-term benefits of capitalism, free enterprise and a well-functioning market economy. We recognise that capitalism can and does overshoot on occasion, and can lag in its ability to appropriately and fairly manage externalities and systemic risk.

We believe there can be a role for government investment or intervention in markets to help create new industries, address market failure, or crowd in private sector investment – but that government investment should not be a first or default option.

We believe that there is an important role for governments in regulating markets that can and should occur, without unnecessarily impeding economic growth and investment.

We believe that a well functioning market economy supports both economic advancement and social welfare, and that good policy embodies the values of Australia as a caring nation that believes in opportunity and respect for all.

Our vision for Australia

We will help create a bolder, braver, stronger Australia that harnesses its full economic potential to enrich lives, support a diverse society, and thrive in the 21st century and beyond.

How we drive change

Through independent policy thinking and solutions, we help solve the nation’s most complex challenges with rigour, pragmatism, and integrity, to drive meaningful change across government and society.

The promise we stand by

Policy Institute Australia will deliver high-impact, evidence-led policy solutions that challenge convention, unlock prosperity, and serve economic sense and social purpose.

Independent by design

Policy Institute Australia is philanthropically funded and non-partisan, evidence-led and independent. Our independence gives us the freedom to say what needs to be said and, the courage to advocate for change in the interest of all Australians.

Our lens is generational. We are driven by evidence, not affiliation – where ideas are debated on their merit, not their convenience.

Led by credible changemakers

Our Board brings national credibility, diverse expertise, and a deep commitment to Australia’s future. Together, they guide Policy Institute Australia.

Our board

John Wylie is Principal and founder of Tanarra, an investment firm spanning venture capital, private equity, and credit. He is the former CEO of Credit Suisse First Boston Australia, co-founder of Carnegie Wylie & Company, and CEO of Lazard Australia A committed philanthropist, John has chaired leading institutions including the Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust, State Library Victoria, and the Australian Sports Commission. Together with his wife Myriam, he established the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation, supporting initiatives that strengthen Australia’s communities and culture.

John Wylie AC

Professor Glyn Davis AC most recently served as the 22nd Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (2022–2025). He was previously CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Australia’s largest charitable foundation dedicated to breaking the cycle of disadvantage. A leading public policy scholar, he has served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne and Griffith University, and is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia and a Companion of the Order of Australia.

Professor Glyn Davis AC

Peter Harris AO has held senior roles across government and business, including Chairman of the Productivity Commission (2013–2018) and Secretary of multiple Commonwealth departments. He advised Prime Minister Bob Hawke on microeconomic reform, led negotiations on the National Broadband Network, and served on the National Covid Coordination Commission. Today, he continues to advise on economic and policy reform, with deep expertise in infrastructure, competition, and digital transformation.

Peter Harris AO

Paul Kelly is Editor-at-Large of The Australian and one of Australia’s most influential political commentators. He has written 12 books on politics and policy, presented the ABC documentary 100 Years – The Australian Story, and held fellowships at Harvard, King’s College London, and the Lowy Institute. Paul has reported on every prime minister since Gough Whitlam, bringing unmatched insight into Australian political history and public affairs.

Paul Kelly

Jenn Morris OAM is a non-executive director with experience across mining, energy, education, health, and financial services. She holds board roles with Sandfire Resources, Liontown Resources, and Argonaut, and previously served on the Fortescue Metals Group board. A former Deloitte partner and CEO at Minderoo Foundation’s Walk Free, Jenn also won two Olympic gold medals in hockey with the Australian women’s team, before moving into corporate governance and leadership.

Jenn Morris OAM

Kate Torney OAM is Director of the Constructive Institute Asia Pacific at Monash University, leading efforts to counter misinformation. She was previously CEO of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and the State Library of Victoria, where she delivered an $88m redevelopment. Kate spent two decades at the ABC, including six years as News Director, and today serves as Chair of The Wheeler Centre and a board member of The Conversation.

Kate Torney OAM

Meet the team

Our team of economists, policy experts, and operational leaders brings a blend of intellectual rigour and practical experience from government, consulting, and research. They are the engine behind our solutions-oriented work, dedicated to translating bold ideas into actionable policy that drives prosperity for all Australians.

Amy Auster

CEO

Amy Auster is the inaugural CEO of Policy Institute Australia. She has previously served as Managing Director at Scyne Advisory, Partner at PwC, Chief Adviser at the Commonwealth Treasury and Deputy Secretary at the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance. Earlier in her career she worked as a market economist and senior executive ANZ and JPMorgan. Amy is a Director of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and a Trustee at the Victorian Trust for Nature. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University in Chicago and a Master of Economic and Finance from Columbia University in New York.

Henry Williams

Director of Policy

Henry is an economist and public policy specialist with deep experience in government.

He was previously Senior Economic Adviser to the Victorian Treasurer, providing advice on economic policy, intergovernmental affairs, and tax reform — including Victoria’s replacement of stamp duty with an annual land tax for commercial and industrial properties. Before that, he worked at the Productivity Commission on inquiries into mental health, inequality, and other key issues.

Henry holds a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and a Master of Economics from the University of Melbourne.

Nicholas Tarrant

Principal Economist

Nicholas Tarrant is a Principal Economist at Policy Institute Australia with nearly a decade of experience helping governments make well informed policy decisions.

He has worked across regulation, productivity, labour markets, macroeconomic analysis, energy, social policy, integrity and higher education.

Before joining Policy Institute Australia, Nick held advisory roles in government, consulting and independent research, including as a Senior Economist at the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics and Finance, from the University of Melbourne.

Indra Parta

Principal Economist, Data & Modelling

Indra Parta is a Principal Economist at Policy Institute Australia, specialising in modelling and analytics. He has worked across health, productivity, microeconomic reform, social policy, education, and program evaluation, with deep experience using large linked datasets such as PLIDA. His research has been published in journals including The Lancet Regional Health: Western Pacific.

Before joining Policy Institute Australia, Indra worked in State and Federal Government and independent economic research, including at the Productivity Commission and the Department of Health. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and a Bachelor of Economics from Monash University.

Arita Economou

Business Manager

Arita Economou is an experienced professional with more than fifteen years’ experience leading strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and high-impact programs across the education, government, and corporate sectors. At Policy Institute Australia, she oversees operations and engagement, driving excellence in delivery, collaboration, and brand development.

Previously, Arita managed the Centre for Business Analytics at Melbourne Business School and has held senior roles in marketing and sponsorship at ANZ and Intelematics (RACV). She is passionate about building connections that translate bold ideas into meaningful outcomes for organisations and communities.

Our commitment to Australia’s future

Independent in voice and bold in purpose, Policy Institute Australia is here to influence, not just inform. Guided by credible leadership and supported by philanthropic funding, we focus on practical reforms that aim to strengthen prosperity, build trust, and create opportunity for generations to come.

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Independent ideas. Practical solutions. A stronger Australia.

For Australia’s long-term prosperity

Our philosophy

Our vision for Australia

How we drive change

The promise we stand by

Independent by design