State Budget Briefing 2026

Chris leads the Department in its role of providing economic, financial and resource management policy advice to the Government. Chris commenced as DTF Secretary in December 2023.

Chris joined DTF as Deputy Secretary of the Economic Division in January 2021. Chris was responsible for the provision of high-level economic and policy advice to Government on productivity, taxation and regulation, along with social, environmental and economic development issues.

Before this, Chris was the CEO of Invest Victoria and led both the Victorian Government’s approach to investment attraction and the Economic Recovery Mission in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Chris’ career includes over two decades in public service in Melbourne, Canberra and internationally, including as Deputy Secretary, Policy and Cabinet in the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet.

In 2011, Chris was appointed Australian Ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, where he led Australia’s engagement with the OECD and contributed to global best-practice public policy. Following on from his role with the OECD, Chris spent four years with the European Climate Foundation in Berlin, where, as Executive Director, Finance and Economics, he led an international philanthropic strategy on the economic and financial implications and opportunities of the low-carbon transition.

Ian is the Lead Partner, Strategy, Risk & Transformation at Deloitte, supporting the 300 partners and 4000 Deloitte staff that live and work in Victoria. As Managing Partner for Victoria Ian has broad responsibility for the market strategy and the execution of Deloitte’s industry, sector, relationship, and eminence programs in Victoria. Additionally, he also supports execution of the culture and talent programs in the market.

Professionally Ian is a financial advisory partner with 30 years’ experience supporting both private and public sector clients make complex financial and commercial decisions and navigate difficult financial situations through funding, revenue, cost and operational interventions. He has worked extensively with Victorian Government Departments and Agencies supporting leaders with the financial and commercial aspects of policy design, service commissioning, service performance and financial sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness.

Julie is CEDA’s Principal Economist.

Her current research focusses on business dynamism, innovation and resilience in Australia. She also has long-standing research interests in employment, demographics, industry diversity and inclusion.

Julie has been immersed in economic policy development, research and forecasting over several decades. She has been Chief Economist at PEXA, Nous Consulting and the Australian Industry Group and has held senior roles at the ANZ Bank and the Productivity Commission. She has participated in advisory panels and boards for universities, the RBA, Treasury and the Fair Work Commission.

Julie holds degrees in economics, politics and philosophy from Monash University and the University of Melbourne.

Professor Beth Webster is Director of the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research at the University of Melbourne. Her expertise centres on the economics of the way knowledge is created and diffused through the economy. She has a PhD in economics from the University of Cambridge and is a fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences Australia.

Professor Webster is responsible for providing advice and leadership on policies relating to the economic and social impact of research, public industry and innovation policies and has authored over 150 articles on the economics of innovation and firm performance.