The Albanese Government has appointed Melinda Cilento as a part‑time member of the Reserve Bank of Australia Monetary Policy Board, for a five year term from 1 September 2026.
Ms Melinda Cilento is a highly respected economist with broad and deep expertise and experience.
This appointment will help ensure the Board has the right mix of skills and perspectives.
Ms Cilento has held senior economic policy and leadership roles, including as Chief Executive Officer of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia, Commissioner at the Productivity Commission, and Chief Economist and Deputy CEO at the Business Council of Australia.
This appointment follows a thorough and considered selection process, including consultation with the Opposition.
The appointment was made from a shortlist of candidates compiled by a Panel comprising the Reserve Bank of Australia Governor, Treasury Secretary, and former Secretary to the Treasury and Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Martin Parkinson AC PSM.
The Panel drew on the open and transparent expression of interest process that was run for the Government's appointments in 2024 and applied a skills matrix to ensure the right mix of skills and experience on the Board.
The Government thanks outgoing member, Professor Ian Harper AO, for his commitment and contributions to the Monetary Policy Board and previously the Reserve Bank Board.
