Simon Cowan is a distinguished Australian economist and policy analyst, known for his insightful contributions to public policy discourse. With a keen focus on economic reform and social policy, Cowan has emerged as a prominent figure in Australia's intellectual landscape.

As the Research Director at the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS), Cowan plays a pivotal role in shaping policy debates through rigorous research and analysis. His work spans a wide range of topics, including taxation, education, healthcare, and welfare reform, among others.

Cowan's expertise extends beyond academia; he frequently engages with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to advocate for evidence-based policy solutions. His commitment to fostering innovation and efficiency in government policies has earned him respect and recognition both nationally and internationally.

With a strong academic background and a wealth of practical experience, Cowan continues to influence Australia's policy agenda, driving conversations that seek to enhance prosperity and social well-being for all Australians.

Professor Greg Marston has undertaken social research in a range of fields drawing on a variety of social science disciplines, including social policy, sociology, political economy, social work and policy studies. He has expertise in qualitative approaches to social inquiry and has used different methods to explore a range of contemporary issues, including: poverty and debt; refugee resettlement; housing and homelessness; income support; unemployment; the changing mixed economy of welfare; and the role of social policy and urban planning in addressing the climate change challenge.

Professor Marston has led a number of Australian Research Council (ARC) projects over the past decade. He is currently involved with three projects. He is leading two ARC Linkage projects, one concerned with pathways to employment for people with disabilities and another looking at the role of social networks and social capital in surviving unemployment and finding employment. He is also leading an ARC Discovery Project focusing on the role of deliberative policy-making and social policy in transitioning countries to a low-carbon future.

Professor Marston is a member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts and is also the Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN) representative in Australia. Professor Marston has held visiting appointments at Lund University, Melbourne University and The University of Chicago.

Prior to entering academia Greg worked with non-government organisations undertaking social policy and research at the state and national level. Professor Marston is passionate about social justice issues and the role of education and research in contributing to social change, particularly the role of the social sciences and humanities in fostering the conditions for human flourishing, critical thinking, and well-functioning social and political institutions.

As Head of School, he seeks to promote effective governance, transformative teaching and multidisciplinary research in collaboration with his academic and professional colleagues in the school. He is also keen to ensure high levels of external engagement with various publics related to the school’s teaching and research strengths.

Actress and university student

Bob Macdonald is a seasoned communications professional with a distinguished background spanning journalism, government advisory and international trade. His career includes roles as a business journalist and editor, newspaper columnist, ministerial advisor and Austrade Trade Commissioner. Over several decades, he has supported companies, government agencies, senior politicians and business leaders to communicate with clarity, impact and strategic purpose.

Bob is highly skilled in translating complex or bureaucratic language into clear, persuasive and accessible material, from media releases to annual reports. He is also an accomplished speechwriter, known for crafting incisive and engaging speeches tailored to diverse audiences and settings. In addition, he brings extensive experience as a public presenter and MC for business events.

His career highlights include more than 30 years as a journalist and editor with publications such as The Australian Financial Review, Business Review Weekly and The Courier-Mail, along with media work in North America. He served as a business policy advisor and speechwriter to Queensland Premier Wayne Goss, and later as Chief of Staff to Minister Mark Bailey during the first-term Palaszczuk Government. As Austrade Trade Commissioner, he represented Australia in Mexico and Chile.

Most recently, Bob was Communications Manager for Trade and Investment Queensland. He now leads his own consultancy, MacDonald Publishing Pty Ltd, providing strategic communications advice and services to clients across sectors.

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.