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Scott Morrison names Michael Brennan as Productivity Commission head

Treasurer Scott Morrison has appointed another former Liberal Party staffer to a key economic role.

Michael Brennan and Treasurer Scott Morrison. Picture Kym Smith
Michael Brennan and Treasurer Scott Morrison. Picture Kym Smith

Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison has appointed another former Liberal Party staffer to a key economic role with Michael Brennan to be the chief of the Productivity Commission replacing Peter Harris.

This follows yesterday’s move to put Morrison and Peter Costello’s former chief of Staff Phil Gaetjens as head of Treasury, replacing John Fraser.

Morrison said Brennan was unanimously chosen after a full merit-based selection process to become the new head of the government’s key advisory body on micro-economic policy and regulation.

Brennan is a former staffer to former Liberal Finance Minister Nick Minchin and also served in that role for former Victorian Liberal Treasurer Kim Wells.

Brennan is now deputy Secretary in the Department of Finance in charge of budget issues.

He has limited experience in micro economics.

The ANU graduate has done stints at PwC and the Victorian Treasury before moving to Canberra with Senator Minchin.

PC deputy Karen Chester was highly fancied for the job but Morrison has again backed a former Liberal Party staffer.

John Durie
John DurieColumnist

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/scott-morrison-names-michael-brennan-as-productivity-commission-head/news-story/e50adf08de9de98df68eb32169779c5c