Hon. Peter Costello
Australia's longest-serving Treasurer.
Profile
Peter Costello was elected to seven terms as a Member of the Australian House of Representatives and was Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia from March 1996 to December 2007, the longest term of any Treasurer in Australian history.
Mr Costello delivered twelve federal budgets including ten surpluses. During this period Australia’s Sovereign Credit Rating was updated twice to its current AAA rating.
Mr Costello set up Australia’s system of financial regulation establishing the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). He also established the Takeovers Panel.
In 2006, after Government debt was eliminated in net terms, Mr Costello established the Australian Future Fund. From its original deposit, the Future Fund has grown to over $200 billion.
Mr Costello served a decade as Chairman of the Future Fund.
Mr Costello has served on the IMF Committee, and as Chairman of the Global Group of 20 Finance Ministers & Central Bankers (G-20).
After leaving politics in 2009, Mr Costello joined a number of international and domestic boards and was chair of the Independent Advisory Board to the World Bank.
Mr Costello is currently Chairman of the Nine Entertainment Corporation, the largest Australian owned media company with television, radio, publishing and streaming operations.
Feedback
Absolutely every single one of our delegates loved the Peter Costello presence - from his speech to the way he integrated with the event and took time to get to know the delegates. Peter was humorous, engaging and highly informative on stage. We all learned something, we all laughed; and we all gained a whole new appreciation for the intellect that is Peter Costello. Loved him!
