Independent Insights from Australia's Leading Independent Economists and Thought Leaders

Independent Insights from Australia's Leading
Independent Economists and Thought Leaders

Stephen Walters is one of Australia’s most respected macroeconomists, with over 30 years of experience spanning government, investment banking, and policy advocacy.

Stephen has held senior roles as Chief Economist at the Business Council of Australia, NSW Treasury, Australian Institute of Company Directors, and J.P. Morgan, where he led economic strategy for Australia and New Zealand. His career also includes leadership positions in the UK and Australia with Access Economics, Norwich Union, Alliance Capital, and WA Treasury.

He is a trusted advisor to government and industry, having briefed Prime Ministers, Treasurers, and Cabinet committees. Stephen chaired the Executive Committee of Australian Business Economists and serves on multiple advisory panels, including the RBA Governor’s Advisory Group, ABS Census Panel, and Australian Statistics Advisory Council.

Stephen is a regular media commentator and public speaker, with appearances on CNBC, Bloomberg, ABC, and Ausbiz. He has authored three books—with a fourth underway—and holds degrees in economics, applied finance, journalism, and governance.

With an extensive career in economic analysis spanning over four decades, Stephen Walters's high-profile roles include:

  • Chief economist, Business Council of Australia
  • Chief economist, NSW based in Treasury
  • Chief economist, Australian Institute of Company Directors
  • Chief economist, JPMorgan
  • Senior economist, Access Economics
  • Senior economist, Norwich Union
  • Senior economist, WA Treasury

Stephen Walters's expertise includes:

  • Australian and Global Economies
  • Regional and Global Political Economy
  • Central Banks and Monetary Policy
  • Housing and Property Markets
  • Industry and Sector Analysis
  • Governments Finances and Taxation
  • Education and Workforce Trends
  • Emerging Trends and Niche Areas
  • Cost Benefit Analysis

Stephen Walters's services include:

Stephen Walters's selected speaking engagements include:

  • COSBOA annual conference – Melbourne, 2025
  • Moir Group Productivtiy event, 2025
  • Urban property Group planning day, 2025
  • Australian Hairdressing Council conference, 2025
  • E-Tail conference, 2025
  • World Scaling Summit, 2025

Stephen Walters's selected projects include

  • Confidential M&A transaction advice, 2025
  • Cost benefit analysis of Corporations Law, 2025
  • Longevity submission to Economic Roundtable, 2025
  • Productivity submission to Economic Roundtable, 2025

Selected recommendations for Stephen Walters include:

  • CODEX Communications
  • Australian Hairdressing Council
  • Longevity Lab
  • Moir Group
  • Urban Property Group
  • Colvin Group