Ted Evans (public servant)
Edward Alfred Evans | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | April 12, 2020 (aged 79) |
| Occupation(s) | Economist, public servant |
| Known for | Secretary of the Department of the Treasury (1993–2001) |
Edward Alfred Evans (4 March 1941 – 12 April 2020) was a distinguished Australian economist and senior public servant. He held the position of Secretary of the Department of the Treasury from 1993 until 2001.
Career and public life
Evans originated from a humble family background, with his father employed as a fitter and turner. He attended Ipswich High School and during the 1960s, while working at the Ipswich branch of the Postmaster-General's Department, he trained as a technician. Simultaneously pursuing economics studies, he graduated from the University of Queensland in 1969 with first class honours and was awarded a University Medal. Among his university peers was economist Adrian Pagan. Following his graduation, Evans commenced his career at Treasury and moved to Canberra.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Evans undertook various responsibilities within Treasury, including international assignments. Between 1976 and 1978, he served as Economic Counsellor at Australia’s Permanent Delegation to the OECD in Paris. Later, from 1989 to 1993, he acted as Executive Director at the IMF in Washington, where he played a key role in advocating for the creation of the Fund’s Independent Evaluation Office.
David Morgan, a colleague, characterized Evans as a member of a pivotal Treasury group that greatly expanded its authority during the 1980s and cultivated future leaders like Ken Henry and Martin Parkinson.
He was central to a small but highly cohesive team within Treasury that propelled it to unprecedented levels of power and influence throughout the 1980s... Ted also mentored some of Treasury’s most talented individuals...
Evans accepted the appointment as Treasury secretary in March 1993 after previously declining the position in 1991.
In his capacity as secretary, Evans often addressed economic policy matters, notably contesting widespread apprehensions regarding Australia’s national current account deficit (CAD). He emphasized that greater attention should be given to investment quality rather than solely focusing on boosting savings. Following the Asian financial crisis of 1998, he actively participated in dialogues concerning its repercussions for Australia.
During his tenure as Treasury secretary, Evans also held influential board roles at major financial institutions: he was a director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia from 1993 to 1996 and served on the Reserve Bank of Australia board between May 1993 and April 2001.
Retirement
Evans concluded his public service career in April 2001, having led the Treasury for eight years. Among his significant accomplishments was the establishment of the Taxation Review Board, a milestone he regarded with pride.
After retiring, Evans became a member of the Westpac board, where he served from 2001 until 2011, assuming the role of chairman from 2007 until he stepped down.
In 2013, Evans publicly criticized the Abbott government for politicizing the public service and removing prominent secretaries, including Martin Parkinson.
Evans passed away on 12 April 2020. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison commended his sharp intellect, unwavering integrity, and impactful counsel that transcended political affiliations. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg acknowledged Evans' instrumental contributions to pivotal economic reforms such as the dollar's float, deregulation of the financial sector, enhancements in labour market flexibility, and the introduction of the goods and services tax.
Awards
In June 1999, Evans received the honour of being named a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in recognition of his significant role in shaping Australian economic policy. The University of Queensland further recognized him as Alumnus of the Year in 2001.