“The economy is in as good a position as it’s been for some time,” he said.
“I’m extremely proud of what’s been done. You don’t get everything right but I’m very proud of what the bank has achieved.”
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Dr Debelle has been considered the frontrunner to replace Dr Lowe whose term as governor ends in 2023. Dr Debelle said he was “cognisant” of his possible path to the head of the RBA.
The bank’s deputy governor has traditionally gone on to head the institution. The past three governors - Ian Macfarlane,Glenn Stevens and Dr Lowe - all served as deputy while all served as the bank’s assistant governor for economics. That position is currently held by Luci Ellis who many believe could be the first woman to head the bank since its creation in 1960.
Other contenders from within the bank include assistant governor (financial markets),Christopher Kent,and assistant governor (financial stability) Michelle Bullock.
Outside of the bank,former Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson - who in that role also sat on the RBA board - has also been suggested as a possible contender if he was prepared to return to public service.
The last person brought in as governor from outside the Reserve Bank was Bernie Fraser in 1989. He had been the head of Treasury before being moved into the bank by then treasurer Paul Keating.
Dr Lowe thanked Dr Debelle for his service to the bank.
“He has made major contributions to monetary policy,to financial market operations and to the management of the bank,” he said.
Former RBA staff member and now chief economist at the Centre for Independent Studies,Peter Tulip,said Dr Debelle would be missed from the bank.
“This is sad and surprising. Guy was arguably the cleverest person at the RBA,” he said.
Stephen Kirchner,director of the International Economy Program at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney,said Dr Debelle’s resignation was a huge blow to Australian monetary policy but added he could return to head a post-review RBA.
“A future treasurer,having been handed a report by an independent review,could do worse than to invite Guy to implement its recommendations as governor,” he said.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg,who will soon appoint Dr Debelle’s replacement,paid tribute to him.
“Since his appointment as deputy governor and deputy chair of the RBA board in 2016,Dr Debelle has provided strong economic leadership and helped steer the RBA board’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
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Shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers said he expected Mr Frydenberg to consult Labor about the deputy government appointment which will occur in the run-up to May’s federal election while arguing now was a chance to renew the RBA.
“The vacancy created by his departure represents an important opportunity for renewal,and to promote more women into the most senior ranks in particular,” he said.