I welcome the Prime Minister's announcement today that Jenny Wilkinson will serve as the next Secretary to the Treasury and I thank him for the way he has involved and included Katy Gallagher and me in his decision.
I am really excited by this opportunity to work even more closely with Jenny, whose contribution as the Secretary of the Department of Finance has been instrumental to our first four budgets and so much of the broader work of our government.
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.
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.
Australia was incredibly fortunate to have someone of Steven's calibre leading the Treasury, and is just as fortunate having him now lead the Australian Public Service.
I pay tribute again to outgoing Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary Glyn Davis, another friend, and thank him for his friendship and service.
Jenny will make history as the first woman to lead the Treasury. Under our government women now lead the Treasury, Reserve Bank and Productivity Commission all for the first time.
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.
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.
Jenny holds a Masters Degree in Public Affairs from Princeton University, a Bachelors Degree in Economics (with Honours) from the Australian National University, and was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2021.
Thank you Steven and Jenny for agreeing to serve and to the Prime Minister for appointing them to these key roles at such an important time.
