Chief Economist named Telstra ACT Business Woman of the Year

Posted on 13 March, 2019

River Paul, Chief Economist and Statistician of the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA), is the 2019 Telstra Australian Capital Territory Business Woman of the Year.

In her role, River provides insight about the economy of the future and works to educate and empower decision makers, both in households and businesses. She aims to give the power back to the public, allowing them to understand what to expect if things go wrong in the economy.

“As technology continues to transform our world, algorithms, data and analytics will continue to grow in importance,” explains River.

One of her most significant achievements was establishing the statistics and economic analysis function in AFSA, which involved rapid expansion of published statistics so information is open and easily accessible to the community.

River also took home the ACT Public Sector and Academia Award, which recognises women who have dedicated themselves to making an impact in education or the public service.

For 24 years, the Telstra Business Women’s Awards have recognised and celebrated the outstanding achievements of Australian women in business.

Telstra Marketing and Chief Brand Officer, Jeremy Nicholas, congratulated the Australian Capital Territory winners, who, he said, were all inspiring examples of leaders challenging the status quo within and beyond their industries.

“These winners are undoing traditional business practices by using their own unique approach to rewrite what it means to be successful. They’re championing inclusion, innovation, and inspiring others to do the same,” says Jeremy.

“The solutions Ms Paul has implemented have seen AFSA’s processes become globally regarded as best practice. She leads the way in providing human-centred solutions to issues including personal insolvency. A leader in her field, she strives to make the greatest positive impact she can and dares to work differently.”

Also recognised at the 2019 Telstra Australian Capital Territory Business Women’s Award were:

Small Business Award: Catherine Smith, Director, Wholistic Financial Solutions

Catherine Smith set up multi-disciplinary firm, Wholistic Financial Solutions, in 2010 to provide rounded and objective financial advice, tailored to her clients’ own individual circumstances.

Medium & Large Business Award: Gabrielle Costigan, CEO, BAE Systems Australia

Gabrielle Costigan has a distinguished international career in the defence, aviation and logistics industries, including 20 years serving in the Australian Defence Force.

For Purpose & Social Enterprise Award: Megan Gilmour, Co-Founder and CEO, MissingSchool

MissingSchool was founded in 2012 when Megan Gilmour and two other mothers came together after their children survived critical and life-threatening illnesses. It aims to help sick children maintain connection with school.

Emerging Leader Award: Fiona Grimmer, Marketing Manager, HorizonOne Recruitment

As the Marketing Manager of HorizonOne Recruitment, Fiona Grimmer is helping to successfully disrupt the recruitment industry in Canberra – moving away from the sales approach of transactional recruitment experiences.

All 2019 State and Territory winners will be invited to Sydney for the National Awards judging on Wednesday 15 May. The national winners will then be announced at a dinner celebration on Thursday 16 May.