WEN (SA) event: Fireside chat featuring Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission

Invitation to Women in Economics Network event: Fireside chat featuring Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission

The Women in Economics Network (WEN) and BDO invite you to a lunch time panel with Danielle Wood, Dr Jacky Southcott, and Lisa Carlin. The panel will be moderated by Dr Tania Dey.

Panellists will share their journey in the economics profession. Danielle will share her journey to becoming Chair of the Productivity Commission. Speakers will discuss the importance of women in leadership positions as well as key economics and policy issues.

About the speakers

Danielle Wood commenced a 5-year term as Chair of the Productivity Commission on 13 November 2023.

Prior to joining the Commission, she was CEO of the Grattan Institute and Head of its Budgets and Government Program. During her time at Grattan, Danielle also held roles as member of the Australian Government’s Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce, the Parliamentary Budget Office Expert Advisory Committee, the Jobs and Skills Australia Consultative Forum and the Australia and New Zealand School of Government Research Committee.

Dr Jacky Southcott is the Co-Chair of WEN SA, and a Senior Economist with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Adelaide where her pioneering research on the economics of trust garnered recognition with a Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence. With a career spanning over two decades, Jacky has extensive experience working across government and academic institutions, both in Australia and overseas. Her expertise lies in conducting economic impact evaluations, applied economic research, and providing advice to Senior Government Officials. Jacky's passion lies in translating economic research for real-world societal impact.

Lisa Carlin, a Manager at BDO EconSearch, boasts over 15 years of experience. Her expertise lies in modelling and communicating the results of economic impact analyses and socio-economic profiles. Lisa has conducted numerous economic evaluations using cost-benefit analysis for a diverse clientele spanning both the public and private sectors. She initially joined EconSearch in 2007 as an economist after completing her degrees in economics and finance at the University of Adelaide. Recently, Lisa’s passion has shifted towards knowledge transfer and skill development for the next generation of economists. She achieves this through mentoring and coaching undergraduates, both within BDO EconSearch and beyond.

Dr Tania Dey is an Applied Economist working as a Manager at BDO EconSearch, in addition to being a mother of two primary school-aged children. She is currently doing economic analysis in areas such as health care, infrastructure, travel and tourism, migration etc. Tania has worked as an Economist at the University of Adelaide and as a Regulatory Analyst at the Essential Services Commission of South Australia. She is experienced in macroeconomic issues, energy economics, labour market issues, economic evaluation using impact assessment and cost-benefit analysis, public policy, and regional development. Tania enjoys networking opportunities and look forward to commenting in media on topical issues. She volunteers her time as a member of the Women in Economics Network (South Australia), as a mentor to budding female economists and as a producer on Radio Adelaide, promoting community engagement.

Event details 

Date: Thursday 23 May 2024

Time: 12:30pm-2pm. Arrive from 12pm onwards for registration and lunch, with the talk to commence at 12:30 pm

Venue: BDO, Level 7, 420 King William Street, Adelaide, 5000

Cost: Free for WEN/ESA members, $10 for non-members

Both men and women are welcome to attend. To check the status of your membership, login to the ESA portal to ensure your membership is current and that you have ticked the WEN box in My Profile. Registrations closes on Monday 20 May as places are limited.

We thank BDO for their support of the WEN and this event.