Retired WA senator Mathias Cormann appointed adjunct professor at UWA business school

Former finance minister Mathias Cormann has been appointed an adjunct professor at the University of Western Australia’s business school. The WA senator — who retired from politics in October as Australia’s longest-serving finance minister — will be a guest speaker at masterclasses, give special lectures in undergraduate and postgraduate courses and offer support to academic researchers. Mr Cormann will also collaborate with the university’s academic bodies, such as the UWA Public Policy Institute. The appointment comes as Mr Cormann has been short-listed to become the new secretary-general of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. The OECD is an international organisation that works to create policies that promote economic growth and improve social and environmental challenges faced globally. UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said Mr Cormann’s distinguished career in public life more than qualified him for the honorary position. “Professor Cormann’s experience as minister for finance, in particular, will be of immense value to the UWA Business School’s students and staff,” he said. “I fully support Australia’s bid for Adjunct Professor Cormann to become the next Secretary-General of the OECD . Mr Cormann said he looked forward to serving the next generation of WA leaders through teaching. “Wherever my career takes me in the future, and yes, of course, I would love to serve OECD members as their next secretary-general, Western Australia will always be home for me and my family,” he said. “I’m truly thrilled that UWA has given me this opportunity to contribute in this voluntary capacity. “I have always believed in the power of education. It lifts our social and economic wellbeing, developing knowledge and skills and creating great opportunities both for our students and for our community. I am delighted to be able to share my experiences as finance minister with students.”