Power in Numbers

For the first time in Australia's history, women economists lead three of our top economic institutions - Treasury, the Reserve Bank and the Productivity Commission.

Power in Numbers celebrates their achievements, profiling Jenny Wilkinson, Michele Bullock and Danielle Wood alongside thirteen trailblazing women who have shaped Australian economics over the past two centuries.

Drawing on interviews and historical research, economists Catie Bradbear and Melissa Bray explore the pivotal moments, the strengths and challenges that have defined these women's careers, including their sliding door moments, their superpowers and their struggles. Shared themes emerge, including the influence of great teachers, the importance of mentors and networks, and the persistence required to succeed in a profession where women have long been underrepresented.

Against the odds these women have emerged as leaders, using economics as a tool to improve lives and build a better society.

PRAISE

'The "dismal science" just got brighter. Turns out women have always been in economics; we just haven't seen them. This long overdue book attempts to right that wrong. Lively and well-documented, this book ensures women economists are invisible no more.'
Sheryle Bagwell

'This book does exactly what it says on the tin - empowering us with numbers: 16 is the number of exceptional women profiled here, 18 years is the time since the first woman became the chief economist of an Australian Bank; and 2025 the year in which women came to run the top 3 economic institutions in Australia. Two hundred and twenty-eight pages of inspiration.'
Michelle Ryan

'An uplifting account of what real economists have done to improve the lives of real people. If you are wondering whether you can make a difference, this book will set you right.'
Peter Martin

'This is a remarkable book about remarkable people who have done remarkable things.'
Chris Richardson

'Power in Numbers tells the stories of how 16 women, over two hundred years, have helped us understand how the Australian economy works, how it has changed, and how it could be made to work better through better economic policies. I hope these stories will inspire more women to follow in their footsteps.'
Saul Eslake

'Original well-researched insights into the personal career journeys of some of our leading economists.'
John Kehoe

'The history of economics in Australia is dominated by stories of sheep, miners and men. Women, their contribution to the economic development of the country and their role in economic policy, have been shunted to the margins. This book, however, brings them to the centre stage and reveals their importance to Australians' way of life.'
Shane Wright