Australian Statistician to chair Sir Roland Wilson Foundation 

Australian Statistician Dr David Gruen AO will be the next Chair of the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation. 

The highly-regarded public sector leader will take over from Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM in July. Dr Parkinson has chaired the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation since 2021, contributing to the Board and the Foundation for over 14 years. 

The Sir Roland Wilson Foundation provides scholarships to build public sector leadership and capability to use research and evidence for stronger public policy and service delivery. It does this through a unique partnership with The Australian National University (ANU), Charles Darwin University (CDU) and the Australian Public Service (APS). 

Dr Gruen was appointed Australian Statistician in 2019 and is head of the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 

He has had a long and distinguished career across the Australian Public Service (APS) and academia, including senior leadership roles in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Australian Treasury. He has also held positions at the Reserve Bank of Australia and academic roles at ANU and Princeton University. 

Dr Gruen holds PhDs in physiology from Cambridge University and in economics from ANU. 

The ANU alumnus said the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation makes a crucial contribution to public sector capability and leadership. 

“Through their work and study, Sir Roland Wilson and Pat Turner scholars and alumni are forging meaningful connections between the public service and academia. They bring contemporary knowledge and evidence to the policy-making table,” Dr Gruen said. 

“Foundation scholars are awarded a unique opportunity to step away from their work for a time to think deeply about and examine a topic from all perspectives through postgraduate study. 

“They then return to the APS, providing better advice to governments and contributing to the delivery of better programs. 

“Using the best evidence available is a hallmark of a high-functioning public service. It improves the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of public administration. Evidence helps to increase transparency and accountability – leading to stronger decision-making and better outcomes. 

“I am looking forward to working with the diverse and experienced Foundation Board to foster the partnership between ANU, CDU and the APS, supporting Sir Roland Wilson and Pat Turner scholarships to generate new ideas and contributions to policy and service delivery. I am committed to continuing the pivotal contribution that the Pat Turner scholarships program is making to First Nations leadership across the service,” Dr Gruen said. 

Dr Parkinson said Dr Gruen had a huge amount to offer Sir Roland Wilson and Pat Turner scholars and alumni. 

“Throughout his career, David has championed the use of data and evidence in public policy,” Dr Parkinson said. 

“David embodies the legacy of Sir Roland Wilson and the vision of the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation for a world-class APS. 

“I know the Foundation will thrive under his leadership.”  

ANU Vice-Chancellor and President Genevieve Bell thanked Dr Parkinson and welcomed Dr Gruen. 

“For over a decade, scholars, alumni and the Foundation have benefited from Martin’s clear vision, wealth of experience and generous guidance,” Professor Bell said. 

“On behalf of the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation community, I thank Martin for his service over the last fourteen years and his contributions to our community. 

“David is one of Australia’s leading public policy thinkers, with a distinguished career in public administration, economic research, business and education. 

“The Foundation’s future is in great hands. I am certain the Foundation and its partners at ANU, CDU and the APS will all benefit greatly from David’s guidance and immense experience.” 

Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Arts and Society at CDU and Foundation Board member, Professor Ruth Wallace, said she was looking forward to working with the new Chair. 

“David will be an enormous asset to the Foundation in supporting the continued impact and results we are seeing from the Pat Turner scholarships program,” Professor Wallace said. 

Australian Public Service Commissioner Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM also welcomed Dr Gruen’s appointment.  

“David is an exceptional intellectual and senior leader,” Dr de Brouwer said. 

“Consistent with our legislated duties as public servants, we need knowledge and robust evidence to inform public policy, and I look forward to David’s contribution as the incoming Chair. 

“I thank Dr Martin Parkinson for his leadership and service to the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation. 

“Martin was a driving force behind the establishment of the Pat Turner scholarship program, and leaves behind a strong legacy ,” Dr de Brouwer said. 

Dr Gruen joins the Foundation Board in February before commencing as Chair in July 2025, when Dr Parkinson steps down. 

The Sir Roland Wilson Foundation offers two postgraduate scholarships for APS employees: 

• The Sir Roland Wilson scholarship is a three-year full-pay scholarship for PhD research at ANU for high performing EL1 and EL2 APS employees 
• The Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner scholarship is a one-to-three year, full-pay scholarship for any level of postgraduate study at ANU or CDU for high-performing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander APS 4 to SES Band 1 APS employees. 

For more information about the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation visit srwfoundation.anu.edu.au.