Queensland chief economist role a hard sell for Labor

The Queensland government has been unable to hire a new chief economist position, despite eight months of trying.

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

The Queensland government has been unable to hire a chief economist despite eight months of trying, with Treasury now blaming the coronavirus for the failure to recruit someone to sell ­the ­administration’s economic ­message.

In a major reshuffle ordered last year by the then under treasurer, Frankie Carroll, the top of the state’s Treasury department was to be overhauled, spearheaded by the employment of a chief ­economist.

Recruitment began in October, calling for an experienced economist with “high-level political acumen” to be a “senior leader” in Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s government, ahead of this October’s state election.

The successful candidate would “build strong, strategic relationships and respect with senior members of government”, which included then treasurer and deputy premier Jackie Trad.

Though Treasury has recruited two new deputy under treasurers, the key job of chief economist is still vacant, with the election just months away.

The state has a new Treasurer, Cameron Dick, after Ms Trad was forced to resign from cabinet amid a corruption investigation. Mr Carroll has been demoted to director-general of regional ­development, with former state development director-general Rachel Hunter taking his place.

A Treasury spokesman said the department’s focus was on helping “the government steer Queensland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic”.

“We are fortunate to have an existing strong Treasury team that is contributing to this important body of work,” he said. “All ­recruitment and appointment processes are being assessed against this priority, including ­appointments to Treasury’s economics team.”

In December, Treasury said the overhaul would mean the ­department had a “new contemporary operating model” to better serve Queenslanders.

“The chief economist role has a strong external-facing component and will provide the pre-eminent narrative on the current and desired future state of the economy,” the Treasury spokesman said last year.

Opposition Treasury spokesman and deputy leader Tim Mander said it was not surprising the government couldn’t attract a chief economist.

“After five years, Annastacia Palaszczuk still doesn’t have an economic plan so it’s no surprise Labor can’t find a chief economist to spruik nothing,” Mr Mander said. “Instead of a salesperson, the Palaszczuk government needs a budget and a plan.”