Jenny Wilkinson has been named by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as new Secretary of the Treasury. Wilkinson is  a prominent figure in Australian government and policy circles, who since 2022 has led the Australian Department of Finance. The appointment is particularly notable, as it is the first time in over 120 years that the key role at the Treasury has had a female incumbent.

Wilkinson replaces Steven Kennedy, who in the same Announcement by Albanese will move to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Wilkinson's appointment has been lauded by both past and future ministerial colleagues. In a statement, Jim Chalmers MP, the Australian Treasurer, with whom Wilkinson will now work, praised the contribution of Kennedy and said of the appointment:

"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."

Further he emphasised the significance of the role being in female hands for the first time:

"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."

The Minister for Finance, Senator Katy Gallagher, was similarly full of praise of her former secretary, noting in a statement:

"I am thrilled to see Ms Wilkinson be the first woman appointed to lead the Commonwealth Treasury in its 124-year history."

Like Chalmers, Gallagher also emphasises the example set to young female professionals by such high-profile appointments:

"This appointment not only recognises Ms Wilkinson’s individual talent, skills and expertise, but it also serves as an important reminder for women and girls across the country that all positions in the Australian Public Service – no matter how senior – are roles that women can hold.
I thank Ms Wilkinson for everything she achieved in Finance and for her support and advice to me as Minister for Finance."

Wilkinson gained a Masters Degree in Public Affairs from Princeton University, and holds a Bachelors Degree in Economics from the Australian National University. She was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2021 for her contribution to fiscal policy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, during the response to which she was one of the architects of the Australian "JobKeeper" program.

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_{^{Image Credits: Australian Government - The Treasury / Australian Government - Department of Finance}}