Ted Evans (public servant) facts for kids

Edward Alfred Evans, known as Ted Evans, was an important Australian public servant and economist. He was born on March 4, 1941, and passed away on April 12, 2020. From 1993 to 2001, he held a very important job as the Secretary of the Australian Department of the Treasury. This department helps manage Australia's money and economy.

Ted Evans's Journey

Early Life and Education

Ted Evans came from a humble background. His father worked as a fitter and turner. Ted went to Ipswich High School in Queensland in the late 1950s. In the 1960s, he trained as a technician. He worked for the Postmaster-General's Department in Ipswich.

While working, he studied economics at the University of Queensland. He graduated in 1969 with top honors. One of his classmates was Adrian Pagan, who later became a famous Australian economist. After graduating, Ted joined the Department of the Treasury and moved to Canberra.

Working for Australia's Economy

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Ted Evans held various roles in the Australian Treasury. He also worked in several overseas locations. From 1976 to 1978, he was an Economic Counsellor. This role was at Australia's team for the OECD in Paris.

Later, from 1989 to 1993, he became an executive director. This was for the IMF in Washington. The IMF is an international organization that helps countries with their money problems. Ted helped create an independent office at the IMF to check how well it was doing.

In March 1993, Ted Evans was chosen to be the Secretary of the Treasury. He had been offered the job before in 1991 but turned it down. As Secretary, he often spoke publicly about economic policy. He discussed important topics like Australia's national current account deficit. This is the difference between how much a country saves and how much it invests.

He also took part in discussions about economic challenges in Asia. This was after the Asian financial crisis in 1998. As the Treasury Secretary, he was also a member of the boards of several financial groups. He was a director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia from 1993 to 1996. He also served on the board of the Reserve Bank of Australia from 1993 to 2001.

Life After Government

Ted Evans retired from public service in April 2001. He had served eight years as the head of the Treasury. He said he was most proud of starting the Taxation Review Board.

After leaving government work, Ted joined the board of Westpac, a large bank. He was a board member from 2001 to 2011. He then became the chairman of Westpac from 2007 until his retirement from the board.

In 2013, Ted Evans spoke out when Martin Parkinson and other public service leaders were removed from their jobs. He felt that the Abbott Government was wasting good people. He believed it was making the government's work too political.

Ted Evans passed away on April 12, 2020. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute to him. He said Ted was known for his sharp mind and honesty. He was respected by leaders from all political parties. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg noted Ted's strong ideas. He helped shape many important economic changes in Australia. These included letting the Australian dollar float freely. He also helped with changes to the financial sector and the goods and services tax.

Important Recognitions

In June 1999, Ted Evans received a high honor. He was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). This was to recognize his great service to Australian economic policy. In 2001, the University of Queensland honored him again. They named him their Alumnus of the Year.