Former Treasurer compares notes with MBS students
Feb, 2010
Melbourne Business School's newest subject ‘Leading Policy Reform' was today co-presented by Peter Costello.
Students crammed the Rio Tinto lecture theatre to hear from Mr. Costello, former Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia from 11 March 1996 to 3 December 2007 - the longest serving Treasurer in Australia's history - and former deputy leader of the Liberal Party.
As someone who knows the political landscape inside and out, Mr. Costello was able to provide unique insight as the class examined how Australia has managed to emerge from the last 15 years in such good economic shape.
The class has already heard from Mr. Costello's fellow co-presenters Ian Harper, former Chairman of the Fair Pay Commission and Emeritus Professor of Melbourne Business School and Allan Fells, former Chair of the ACCC (Australia's competition watchdog).
In coming weeks students are set to hear from Ian McFarlane, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Gary Banks, Chairman of the Productivity Commission and Ross Garnaut, author of the Garnaut report on Climate Change.
As the class ended Mr. Costello was extremely generous with his time as he was besieged with questions from students keen to continue the discussion and have copies of his 2008 memoir signed.
The brainchild of Professor Garry Sampson, MBS John Gough Chair of International Trade, the Leading Policy Reform subject was conceived to help students to understand the deep inside workings of the Australian economy.
Learn more about Leading Policy Reform.
Above: Peter Costello and Professor Garry Sampson
Below: Mr. Costello signs books after class
