Jenny Milne Memorial Prize
For best honours dissertation in economics
at the University of Tasmania
JENNY MILNE 16th August 1963 – 3rd September 2005
The inaugural presentation of the “Jenny Milne Memorial Prize for best honours dissertation in Economics at the University of Tasmania” occurred on the Monday the 19th of December 2005 at the tearoom of the Economics and Commerce Building, University of Tasmania, French Street, Sandy Bay.
It was attended by representatives from Jenny’s family, the Tasmanian Branch of the Economic Society of Australia, the University of Tasmania‘s School of Economics and Finance, the Department of Treasury and Finance and the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Below are transcripts of what was said in the formal presentation.
Dr Michael Brooks
Head of the School of Economics and Finance at the University of Tasmania
“Jenny was student in the Economics Department and graduated with a Bachelor of Economics Degree in 1987 and her honours degree in 1988. She took up an appointment as a tutor in the Department in late 1991.
In 1994 I was Head of the Department of Economics and wrote a memo to the Dean dated February 4 that Jenny wished to resign from the University. In the letter I wrote that Jenny "... has been an excellent tutor and the department will be the worse as a result of her departure". Now that I re-read those words I recall that it wasn't necessary for me to make any remark about her qualities as an academic. All I needed to do was pass on the message that she wished to resign.
Upon re-reading those words I recall why I made such a statement. Although Jenny had been with the Department for only 2 years she had made a significant impact on the teaching front. She was an excellent tutor and I wanted a wider audience at the University to be aware of her abilities.”
Mr Glenn Appleyard
Tasmanian Branch of the Economic Society of Australia
(Formerly Deputy Secretary, Department of Treasury and Finance)
“Unfortunately the records of the Tasmanian Branch of the Economic Society are not quite as comprehensive as those of the University, but after a bit of research it was found that Jenny Milne had been a member of the Tasmanian Branch of the Economic Society from March 1990 to July 2004.
Apart from one year, Jenny was Secretary of the Tasmanian Branch for this period, namely from 1991 to 2004. When her illness prevented her from continuing in this role, it was taken over by the inaugural winner of this award, Scott McNamara. During her time as Secretary, in 1997 to be precise, the Tasmanian branch hosted the national Annual Conference of Economists. At the time I was president of the Branch, and I well recall the significant efforts made by Jenny in helping to organise this very successful event.
As many present will realise, I also worked with Jen at Treasury prior to my departure interstate. Jenny had a long career, in two stints, in Treasury where, like me, she started as a cadet (15 February 1982). During 1989-90, Jen commenced as the Research Officer for the State Grants Commission. In the following year she was appointed as Secretary of the Commission, a position that she held until her resignation from Treasury on 14 February 1992. The Commission’s Annual Report for 1992-93 stated that “The Commission expresses its sincere appreciation of her dedicated assistance in all aspects of its work over this period.”
Jenny began her second stint in Treasury on 28 February 1994 and she remained there until her resignation on 14 June 2004 to take up a promotion in the Department of Health and Human Services. Jenny was also the principal author of Treasury’s Competition Index, a publication which was first issued in May 2000. Jen was lucky enough to retain this task for the next two editions.
I’ve been advised that one of Jenny’s main achievements at Treasury in the past two years was her work on the tort law reform that was introduced in all states and territories following the public liability crisis.
Jenny was a fierce competitor in any game or sport, especially office netball, where she had no qualms about telling her colleagues that they were playing in the wrong third or must stop travelling. Jenny did not like losing and was not above challenging the rules if they did work in her favour. Scott McNamara also prefers winning to losing if his behaviour on the tennis court provides any guide (Scott recently dislocated his shoulder playing tennis).
Jenny had a sound grasp of economics, a very great capacity to take on tasks and she had an irrepressible sense of humour. Jen was always a gracious host and her and Craig’s various houses were the scene of many Treasury parties and functions.”
Dr Paul Blacklow
President of the Tasmanian Branch of the Economic Society of Australia
It gives me great pleasure to present the inaugural Jenny Milne Memorial Prize for best honours dissertation in Economics at the University of Tasmania for 2005 to Mr Scott McNamara.
Scott was also a University Medal recipient this year for his consistent excellent academic performance throughout his degree and first class honours result.
Mr Craig Williams
(Jenny’s Widower)
“Thank you for those kind words.
Clearly this is a significant honour for Jen to have this award named after her.
I imagine that Jen’s reaction to this would have been a lot of embarrassment, together with humility, modesty, respectfulness and pride. This reaction reflects firstly upon the award itself, that it is for excellence in the study of economics; and secondly that she has been acknowledged by people that she held in high regard.
Jen greatly enjoyed working in the field of economics. Which is good as Economics is the only field she has ever worked in, whether it was tutoring economics at TAFE, tutoring economics at Uni or working at Treasury. I believe she enjoyed it because she was great one for intellectual challenges, particularly if they involved a bit of logic. She liked an argument as well and was, by her own admission, rarely wrong. If her illness would have responded to a logical argument I’m sure she would have beaten it and still been with us.
Jen also greatly enjoyed the tasks that she undertook for the Economic Society, she enjoyed the functions that involved food and drink and a little bit of economics –they were really good.
The cancer relapse in mid‑2004 meant she was receiving treatment, or being ill, or both, for majority of the last year of her life. As her good days were devoted to her family and striving to get well, the Economic Society, and socialising with her many friends within the society, were things that Jen unfortunately had top let slip over time. She never felt the need to say goodbye as she was adamant that she wasn’t going anywhere and that she would catch up with you when things ere better.
I speak on behalf of Jen’s family (who are here in numbers) that we are all very touched by this honour that you have bestowed upon Jen. Thank you on behalf of Jen and all of Jen’s family.
PS If anyone can provide our daughters, Bridget and Eloise, with a good guide as to what Economics actually is, ”It’s what economists do” is wearing a bit thin, please feel free to have a go and make sure you get all the really exciting bits in.”
Dr Paul Blacklow
President of the Tasmanian Branch of the Economic Society of Australia
“Ladies and Gentleman that concludes the formal presentation. Please feel free to stay, enjoy the drinks and nibbles and talk to one another.”