HOMEPAGE

Dr Rebecca Valenzuela is a professional economist, an experienced university educator, a well-published research academic and a best-selling book author.  She  has lectured in a wide range of economics and econometrics subjects at top universities in Australasia and North America. These include the Universities of Melbourne, Monash, New England, and Tasmania in Australia,  and Monash Malaysia, CUHK in Hong Kong, the University of Victoria in Canada and the Cal State University in Fullerton, CA. Rebecca obtained her PhD in Economics & Econometric Studies from the University of New England, NSW in 2000. In addition to her current post at the DTF,  Rebecca teaches Public Finance at the Crawford School of Public Policy,  and holds adjunct Senior Fellowships both at  the School of Social and Political Science in the University of Melbourne and at the Tax and Transfer Policy Institute in the Australian National University. 

Key areas of research expertise: Rebecca's research specialisation are:  (i) quantitative modelling  of consumption behaviour and firm performance (ii)  measurement of disadvantage and economic inequality, and (iii) econometric analysis of longitudinal and linked data. She has built a solid record of publications consisting of a best-selling economic development book, more than 25 research articles in A and A* rated peer-reviewed economic journals, over 100 government expert reports and several op-ed columns in major newspapers outlets in the country.  International academic journals that have published her research include:  The World Economy, Empirical Economics, Economic Modelling,  Journal of Sociology, Contemporary Economic Policy, Review of Income and Wealth, Economic Development and Cultural Change, Econometric Reviews, Journal of Quantitative Economics, International Review of Economics and Finance and Economic Record.  

Economic Consulting & Policy Advice Work: Rebecca has significant experience in government consulting and policy work. Previous to DTF, she was (i) the Principal Economist for the Productivity Commission (QLD), (ii)  a Senior Adviser  at the NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet and (iii) an Economic Consultant for a number of government agencies including the Family Courts of Australia, the Department of Human Services and the Victorian Parliament. 

Newspaper Writings: Between 2010 and 2017, Rebecca authored several Op-Ed articles published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Canberra Times, Money  and other nationally circulated news outlets, in print and online.