Book launch: Power in Numbers: Australian Women in Economics

We would be delighted if you could join us for breakfast at the National Press Club in Canberra to celebrate the launch of Power in Numbers: Australian Women in Economics.

At the launch, ACT Women in Economics co-chair Alicia Mollaun will be in conversation with authors Catie Bradbear and Melissa Bray, as well as six of the women who are featured in the book:

Danielle Wood: the first woman to chair the Productivity Commission Jenny Wilkinson: the first woman to lead the Australian Treasury Meghan Quinn: the first woman to lead the Department of Defence Meredith Edwards: a trailblazing social policy reformer Besa Deda: the first woman to be chief economist of an Australian bank Alison Booth: an international leader in labour economics and an acclaimed novelist Catie Bradbear, author Melissa Bray, author Alicia Mollaun, WEN ACT Co-chair and facilitator

About Power in Numbers…. Described by Chris Richardson as ‘a remarkable book about remarkable people doing remarkable things’ Power in Numbers tells the stories of sixteen trailblazing Australian women in economics over the past two hundred years. Drawing on interviews and historical research, economists Catie Bradbear and Melissa Bray explore the pivotal moments, the strengths and challenges that have defined these women’s careers, including their sliding door moments, their superpowers and their struggles.

Catie Bradbear is an economist and senior executive with the Productivity Commission who has delivered inquiries on pressing economic, social and environmental issues. She has advocated strongly for greater representation of women in economics, through leading mentoring programs and as an inaugural member of the executive committee of the ACT Women in Economics Network. 

Melissa Bray is an economist, author and former Treasury senior executive. A member of the executive committee of the ACT Women in Economics Network, her first book, Australian Carillonists, was highly commended in the 2025 ACT Literary Awards and she currently writes fortnightly opinion pieces for the Australian Financial Review.

Event Information

Date: Friday 25 September 2026
Time: 7.30-9.00am (Arrival: 7.15am for a 7.30am start)
Venue: National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton, Canberra ACT 2600
Cost: $80 per person - tables of 8 are available*

Note - ticket price includes breakfast and a copy of the book

*Ensure you note any special dietary requirements and special requests for seating arrangements when registering.