PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER uzW
FOR MEDIA 4 JULY 1991
I announce the retirement of a distinguished public servant,
Mr Fred Argy, OBE, who has been the Director of the Office
of the Economic Planning Advisory Council since 1986.
Fred Argy has made an invaluable contribution to the
Australian Public Service. His Public Service career has
spanned some 27 years, which included appointments as Chief
Economist at the Australian Industry Development
Corporation, First Assistant Secretary in the Department of
Housing and the Treasury, Secretary to the Committee of
Inquiry into the Australian Financial System ( the Campbell
Committee), Australian Ambassador to the OECD in Paris and
Deputy Secretary in the Department of Employment and
Industrial Relations.
The Economic Planning Advisory Council has focussed on
identifying ways of improving Australia's medium term
potential for economic growth while maintaining a socially
just distribution of economic benefits. With Mr Argy as
Director its research program has emphasised issues covering
productivity, competitiveness, competition policy, the
saving-investment imbalance and national debt.
I have personally valued Fred's intellectual integrity and
ability to combine human values with rigorous analysis of
economic issues. Under his stewardship, the Office of EPAC
has established an enviable reputation for quality research
and analysis that has been both well communicated and very
relevant to the Australian community.
Fred's energy and enthusiasm, as well as his charm and
diplomacy, have helped to secure the continued commitment of
members of the Economic Planning Advisory Council to the
processes of consultation. He has had a key role in
building public understanding of economic policy and
encouraging informed debate on economic issues.
The current high standing of the Council owes much to Fred's
work. I am sure that members of the Council, past and
present, will echo my appreciation of his work, my regret
that he is leaving and my heartiest good wishes for a busy
and happy retirement.