Make a real difference to the people of NSW
If you are interested in how money, policy and smart decisions shape the state around you, consider working as an economist at NSW Treasury.
Economists at NSW Treasury help guide big decisions for NSW, including:
- funding of schools and hospitals
- investment in transport and infrastructure
- addressing housing affordability
- managing the environment and energy transition
- strengthening productivity.
It is a role where your ideas can help make a real difference in people’s lives.
What to study to become an economist
View the high school subjects and university degrees that can help you on this path.
Essential subjects
- Economics - The most directly relevant subject. Helps you understand how markets and governments work.
- Mathematics (advanced or extension) - Essential for data analysis and economic modelling.
- English (standard or advanced) - Strong writing and communication skills are critical for explaining complex ideas clearly.
Recommended
- Business Studies - Helps you understand economic systems, finance and decision-making in organisations.
- Legal Studies - Useful for understanding how laws and policies impact economic decisions.
- Geography - Helps build an understanding of population, resources and environmental economics.
- Bachelor of Economics
- Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Economics or Finance)
- Bachelor of Political Economy
- Bachelor of Business (with an Economics major)
- Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Economics or Public Policy)
- Bachelor of Mathematics or Statistics (for those interested in economic modelling or data-heavy roles)
- Double degrees (such as Economics and Law, or Commerce and Science) – great for broadening your skill set
- Honours in Economics
- Master of Economics
- Master of Public Policy or Public Administration
- PhD in Economics – for research-intensive or leadership roles
Build your career at NSW Treasury
Grow your skills and critical thinking while seeing firsthand the inner workings of government.
If you enjoy problem solving and analysis, NSW Treasury is where you can build a career that is both intellectually rewarding and socially impactful.
We support career development through mentoring, training and opportunities to take on challenging, meaningful projects.
Join our early career program
NSW Treasury is inviting new and recent graduates to join its Career Launch Program for Associate Economists—a 12-month opportunity to begin a career in public policy economics.
Participants will undertake placements in two areas within the Economic Strategy and Productivity Group, such as the NSW Productivity & Equality Commission or Macroeconomy Division, while receiving dedicated training and mentoring.
The program offers hands-on experience in shaping policy and government decisions, exposure to diverse economic issues, and the chance to build a strong professional network within the NSW Government.
How to apply
To apply, you will need to have either:
- relevant tertiary qualifications in economics, public policy, finance, law or other related disciplines
- professional experience in providing policy advice or research, or economic analysis in a data driven environment.
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Treasury’s Associate Economist early career program
Treasury’s Associate Economist early career program run every year and is advertised on the NSW Government recruitment website – iworkfor.nsw.gov.au
The program is currently closed. Please check this page again for details on when the next round is open.
Australian Conference of Economists 2025
2025 Australian Conference of Economists
Welcome and Introduction
Geraldine Carter, Acting Deputy Secretary of Economic Strategy and Productivity at NSW Treasury gives an opening introduction outlining the role of economics in government and how economic policy made by Government shapes our lives.
2025 Australian Conference of Economists
NSW Productivity and Equality Commission – Housing Research
Elliott James, Principal Economist from Productivity Reform at NSW Treasury discusses the role of the Commission in providing evidence-based advice for policymaking in NSW, focusing on housing affordability, supply, and demand.
2025 Australian Conference of Economists
First Nations Investment Framework
Edwina Chen, Associate Director, First Nations Economic Wellbeing, NSW Treasury Eugenia Marembo, Senior Policy Analyst, First Nations Economic Wellbeing, NSW Treasury provides an overview of the First Nations Investment Framework, emphasising the importance of cultural inputs in initiatives and offering guidance on applying the framework to benefit First Nations communities.
2025 Australian Conference of Economists
National Competition Policy
Anna Barker, Assistant Secretary, Competition Taskforce, Commonwealth Treasury discusses how economic principles inform National Competition Policy, emphasising the benefits of competition for consumers and workers, and outlining key competition levers and policy interventions
2025 Australian Conference of Economists
Panel Session
The panel discussion focused on the career journeys of the panellists, their impact as economists, and their experiences working in government. They shared insights on why they chose economics, how they applied their skills to create impactful policies, and the culture of working in government. The panellists also offered valuable advice for students and early career economists, emphasising the importance of making a positive impact on society through economic policy.
- Peter Achterstraat - Moderator
Commissioner, NSW Productivity and Equality - Anna Barker
Assistant Secretary, Competition Taskforce, Commonwealth Treasury - Christine Duke
Assistant Secretary, Aged Care, Veterans and Care Workforce, Commonwealth Treasury - Michael Gadiel
Deputy Secretary, Procurement Reform and Banking, NSW Treasury - Cass Wilkinson
Executive Director, Centre for Economic Evidence, Economic Strategy and Productivity, NSW Treasury
Quotes from our recent graduates
“The NSW Treasury Associate Economist program was an excellent and enriching opportunity for professional discovery at the start of my career. It allowed me to work across many different niches in economics … while contributing to work that was meaningful and genuinely had an impact.”
“I really valued the opportunity to work across a variety of areas and topics. One of the aspects that made this such a great experience for me was the knowledgeable, friendly and supportive colleagues at NSW Treasury.”
“It gave me hands-on experience working on policy issues that impact people across NSW. The support, training and friendly culture make it a great place to learn and grow.”
“Four years on and I'm still working at Treasury, as there's always an opportunity to learn something new.”
One choice, endless opportunities
Join NSW Treasury and open the door to a career with the largest employer in the southern hemisphere. Be part of meaningful work that makes a real difference to the people of NSW.
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