New chapter for economics: Professor Jane Golley takes the helm at the Arndt-Corden Department of Economics

The Crawford School of Public Policy is delighted to announce that Professor Jane Golley has stepped into the role of Head of the Arndt-Corden Department of Economics, following Professor Paul Burke. 

Professor Golley brings a wealth of experience to this role, and she steps in at a pivotal moment, as the Crawford School joins the newly formed College of Law, Policy and Governance (CLPG).  

Reflecting on her new position, Professor Golley shared:

“It’s an exciting time to step into this role. I have gigantic shoes to fill, as I have never known anyone more meticulous and efficient than Professor Paul Burke, but I’m genuinely excited to try and fill them.” 

As an ANU alumna, Professor Golley began her academic journey with an undergraduate degree in Economics and Japanese. After earning her DPhil from the University of Oxford, where she explored Chinese regional development, Professor Golley returned to ANU, joining the Crawford School in 2008. Since then, she has built an impressive career as an economist and is widely regarded as a leading expert on the Chinese economy. 

In her first year as Head of Department, Professor Golley’s priorities include ensuring a smooth transition into the new College and maintaining the Department’s strong ties with the College of Asia and the Pacific. “The regional centres and programs, including the Australia-Japan Research Centre, the Australia South Asia Research Centre, the China Economy Program, and the Indonesia Project, are critical in signaling our strong expertise on the Asia-Pacific region,” she said. “These, and our regionally-focused journals – Asia-Pacific Economic Literature, Asia Pacific Policy Studies, and the Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies – will continue to highlight where much of our focus lies.” 

Professor Golley places a strong emphasis on students. Having recently concluded her role as HDR Director, she remains deeply committed to providing PhD students and all Crawford students with a supportive and engaging academic environment.

“Without satisfied students, we wouldn’t be here,” she said. 

Looking ahead, she envisions a collaborative future for the Department, emphasizing its crucial role in the broader goals of the School. “Economics may not feature in the School or College name, but the public policy focus of our diverse group of economists makes us a perfect fit in the Crawford School, and now in CLPG as well,” she explained. “The stronger and friendlier the ties between academics and professional staff across all Departments, the stronger we will all be.” 

Outside of her professional life, Professor Golley enjoys walking her two whippets, Freddie Mercury and Sumi Jo (a rock-opera duo), playing the ukulele, singing, cooking Asian cuisine, and her newest passion: aqua-aerobics. 

The Crawford School warmly thanks Professor Paul Burke for his exemplary leadership and contributions during his tenure and looks forward to the exciting journey ahead under Professor Golley’s guidance.