Background

Toby Phillips (Program Director)


Toby Phillips leads CPD’s Sustainable Economy Program, working on policy ideas and partnerships to build a more environmentally and socially sustainable economy. This work encompasses climate policy, wellbeing governance, and structural challenges to Australia’s economy.

Since 2017, Toby has been a researcher and manager at Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government, where he continues to direct a project on government responses to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Toby previously led the research and policy team for the Pathways for Prosperity Commission on Technology and Inclusive Development, chaired by Melinda Gates, Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Strive Masiyiwa. Prior to that, Toby was a researcher at the Resolution Foundation, a UK think tank. Toby started his career in Canberra, holding roles across several government departments (Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Attorney-General’s Department, and the then-Department of Human Services).

Toby holds a Master of Public Policy from Oxford University and a BSc(hons) in chemistry from Flinders University. He has previously served on the board of the Australian Republic Movement, and currently chairs the board of Scouts Australia.