A former barrister and senior public servant, Aruna has worked on the design of public institutions, economic policy, and evidence-based public policy and regulation for more than 20 years.

Before joining Grattan Institute, Dr Sathanapally was a senior executive at NSW Treasury for more than five years, leading divisions responsible for revenue and federal financial relations, macroeconomics, and state-owned corporations, and leading the 2021 NSW Intergenerational Report.

Prior to this, she practised as a senior lawyer at the Australian Government Solicitor, defending Australia’s landmark plain packaging laws, and then as a barrister at 12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers with a practice including public law, competition, and inquiries. From 2010 to 2012, she worked globally on regulatory strategy and sustainable development, based at McKinsey & Company’s London office.

Dr Sathanapally holds arts (economics and politics) and law degrees from UNSW, Sydney, where she graduated with the University Medal in Law. She holds two masters degrees in law and a doctorate from the University of Oxford, where she studied as a Menzies Scholar and a John Monash Scholar. She has published internationally in the field of constitutional design, including a monograph with Oxford University Press published in 2012.

Professor Breunig is one of Australia’s leading Public Policy Economists. He has 80 refereed journal publications in economics and public policy. Professor Breunig has made significant policy impact through a number of his research projects: the relationship between child care and women’s labour supply; the effect of immigration to Australia on the labour market prospects of Australians; the effect of switching to cash from food stamps in the U.S. food stamp program and the inter-generational transmition of disadvantage.

Professor Breunig’s research is motivated by important social policy issues and debates. His work is characterized by careful empirical study and appropriate use of statistical technique. He has played a key role in making Australian government administrative data available to academic researchers.

Professor Breunig’s research agenda has led to many partnerships with government organizations in Australia and overseas. He works regularly with the Australian Treasury, the Department of Employment, the Department of Industry, the Department of Communication and the Arts, the Productivity Commission, the Australian Bureau of Statistics as well as many other agencies. He has been a consultant to the private sector on marketing, mergers, bank competition and customer loyalty programs.

Robert Breunig particularly enjoys interaction outside of typical academic circles and takes pleasure in helping those who don’t usually use economics or statistical analysis to better understand and make use of these tools in their work. He has an extensive track record of helping the Australian public service to build research capacity which he views as a particularly important activity.

Professor The Hon Bill Shorten became Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra in January 2025, after a career that included leadership roles with the Australian Workers’ Union and 18 years serving federal politics, including six as Leader of the Opposition.

Bill’s belief in the transformative power of education drew him to UC and the role, arriving at a time of significant change for the University and the broader higher education sector. It is a circumstance he views as an opportunity to drive UC’s rejuvenation.

The Vice-Chancellor is working with students and staff to develop a modern Australian university that does not just react to society’s demands but anticipates them.

Bill Shorten’s vision is for the University of Canberra to meet students where they are. He knows that for school leavers, that means recognition of the unique pressures on their generation. They want an experience that is enjoyable, offers support for their studies and wellbeing, and prepares them well for the workforce. 

For adults returning to study, time constraints or location call for online options and a flexible approach if UC is to ensure the success of students who seek to upskill or reskill, or for the first time in their life have the confidence to attend university.

The University of Canberra supports the social and economic prosperity of the community through rich research and world-class education that equips students with the skills employers seek.

Bill Shorten’s ambition is to build on UC’s impactful history and make our university the preferred option for students from across our region – and beyond.

John Humphreys is a distinguished economist and policy expert, currently serving as the Chief Economist at the Australian Taxpayers Alliance (ATA). With a wealth of experience spanning both the public and private sectors, Humphreys has established himself as a leading authority on a wide range of economic and policy issues.

Humphreys' career journey has been marked by a diverse array of roles, each contributing to his extensive expertise and profound insights. He began his professional journey as a policy analyst with the Australian Treasury, where he honed his analytical skills and gained invaluable experience in economic policymaking.

His academic pursuits have also been notable, with roles as a lecturer at the University of Queensland and the University of the Sunshine Coast, where he imparted his knowledge of economics and public policy to aspiring scholars. Additionally, Humphreys served as a research director at a Cambodian university, where he contributed to the development of economic research and educational initiatives.

In the realm of consulting, Humphreys has made significant contributions as a consultant for the Centre for International Economics, working with clients such as the World Bank, ASEAN, and various industry groups. His expertise in international economics, banking, and monetary economics has been instrumental in advising on global economic policies and initiatives.

Humphreys' tenure as a research fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies further solidified his reputation as a thought leader in public policy analysis. His research contributions have encompassed a wide range of topics, including institutional and political economics, personal equity finance, education, labor economics, and tax and welfare systems.

As Chief Economist at the Australian Taxpayers Alliance, Humphreys brings his wealth of experience and expertise to advocate for policies that promote fiscal responsibility, limited government, and individual freedom. His specialties in civil society dynamics and public policy analysis empower him to effectively champion the interests of Australian taxpayers and advance policies that foster economic prosperity and personal liberty.

With his comprehensive understanding of economic principles and policy dynamics, John Humphreys continues to be a driving force in shaping the economic and policy landscape in Australia and beyond. His dedication to promoting sound economic policies and empowering individuals underscores his commitment to creating a more prosperous and equitable society.