Mathias Cormann

Mathias Cormann is a Belgian-born Australian politician and public servant who has served as the Secretary-General of the OECD since 2021. He previously had a prominent career in Australian federal politics, representing Western Australia as a Liberal Party senator from 2007 to 2020 and serving as Minister for Finance from 2013 to 2020 under Prime Ministers Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Scott Morrison. His tenure in Canberra was marked by advocacy for fiscal consolidation, corporate tax cuts, and significant economic legislation, before his election to lead the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Early life and education

Born in the German-speaking city of Eupen, Cormann was raised in a Flemish-speaking household and is fluent in German, French, and English. He completed his secondary education at the Collège Saint-Roch in Feron, studying law and political science at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. After graduating, he worked briefly as a lawyer in Brussels before emigrating to Australia in 1994, initially settling in Perth where he held various roles in the state government and private sector.

Political career

Cormann joined the Liberal Party and was elected as a Senator for Western Australia at the 2007 federal election. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health Administration and later as Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship under opposition leader Tony Abbott. Following the Coalition's victory at the 2013 election, he was appointed Minister for Finance, a role he held for over seven years across three administrations. In this portfolio, he was a key architect of the Abbott government's first budget, championed the unsuccessful company tax cut plan, and navigated major reforms including the superannuation system and the establishment of the Medical Research Future Fund.

Secretary-General of the OECD

In March 2021, Cormann was elected as the sixth Secretary-General of the OECD, succeeding Ángel Gurría of Mexico. His campaign, which involved extensive diplomatic outreach to member states including the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan, emphasized themes of free trade, climate change policy aligned with economic growth, and modernizing the organization. Since taking office at the OECD headquarters in Paris, his priorities have included coordinating international tax reform via the OECD/G20 Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project, promoting policies for a "green recovery" from the COVID-19 pandemic, and managing the accession processes for countries like Costa Rica and Colombia.

Personal life

Cormann is married to Hayley Cormann, and the couple has two daughters. He became an Australian citizen in 2000, renouncing his Belgian citizenship as required by law at the time upon entering the Parliament of Australia. Known for his distinctive accent and calm demeanor, he maintains a private family life, with interests including running and following Australian football.

Honours and awards

In 2020, Cormann was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for "eminent service to the Parliament of Australia, particularly as Minister for Finance, to fiscal policy and tax reform, and to international economic relations." He has also received the Australian Centenary Medal and was recognized by the Business Council of Australia for his public policy contributions.

Category:1970 births Category:Living people Category:Secretaries-General of the OECD Category:Australian finance ministers Category:Australian senators from Western Australia Category:Companions of the Order of Australia Category:Belgian emigrants to Australia