The Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Stutchbury as its new Executive Director, bringing a wealth of experience in Australian journalism and public policy to the role.
Stutchbury is the former Editor-in-Chief of The Australian Financial Review, a role he held from 2011 until 2024, when he became the masthead’s Editor-at-Large. With a career in journalism spanning several decades, and including a stint as a Washington correspondent, he is widely respected for his expertise in economic and public policy issues and his engagement with business issues. As Editor-in-Chief he steered the Financial Review from being a newspaper-first masthead staring at a loss to becoming a profitable and highly-regarded digital subscriber-based publication.
Before leading the Financial Review, he served as Economics Editor and later as Editor of The Australian, where he played a key role in shaping national discourse on fiscal policy, industrial relations, and economic reform. His career has consistently demonstrated a strong grasp of the interplay between government policy and market dynamics, making him a prominent voice in debates over taxation, regulation, and productivity.
“I am delighted to take up the opportunity provided by Nicholas Moore and his fellow board members to help drive the Centre for Independent Studies at a time when evidence-based research into boosting Australia’s productivity is so obviously needed,” Stutchbury said
“As a reporter and editor, I have followed and reported on the CIS since the 1980s. It was clear then that intellectual foundations established by Greg Lindsay had supported the economic liberalisation that delivered Australia’s modern prosperity.
“The CIS team of researchers continues to make telling contributions in policy areas from education to housing. I am also delighted that my long-time friend and colleague Tom Switzer will continue to play an important CIS role.”
CIS Board Chairman, Nicholas Moore said: “We are delighted Michael has agreed to head up the CIS at this very important time. Australia is facing a productivity drought and international uncertainty of the sort experienced at our formation 50 years ago. There is no organisation better placed to research and discuss what policies a free people, businesses and governments can play in building a better Australia.
“Michael brings an unequalled understanding of modern Australia including the importance of good policy. He also understands managing an organisation seeking to make an impact in the policy debate.”
He also thanked outgoing Executive Director Tom Switzer for his leadership over the past eight years, which saw the CIS provide a leading voice in the debates on housing affordability, educational outcomes, Australia’s international security situation and Australia’s culture. “We are delighted Tom will remain at CIS as a Senior Fellow focusing on a wide range of policy, intellectual and current affairs,” he said.
Tom Switzer said he viewed Stutchbury as being, for four decades, “one of our nation’s soundest and most influential economic writers and opinion makers.”
“His enthusiasm and optimism, impressive journalistic instincts, quick and deep intellect, sound policy judgment, attention to detail – all this makes Michael a most worthy successor. At a time when our nation experiences a productivity drought and faces mounting socio-economic and strategic challenges, I can’t think of a better person to lead CIS.”