George Barker - BA, MA (Hons), LLB, DPhil
George Barker was awarded a BA and LLB in 1982, winning the senior prize in economics. He then went on to finish a Master of Economics in 1985. He has led a highly distinguished and successful career since leaving the University.
After graduating George went to work at the New Zealand Treasury and became chief analyst under the Lange Labour Government in the mid 1980's. He then won a National Research Advisory Council Scholarship and completed a doctorate of economics at Oxford University. During his time at Oxford he was elected onto the Governing Body of Wolfson College.
In 1993 he was made Director of the Income Distribution and Social Welfare Policy Programme at the Institute of Policy Studies at Victoria University, before setting up and becoming the first CEO of LECG in Asia Pacific in 1997.
In 1998 George was approached to apply for the director position at the Centre for Law and Economics at the Australia National University. He got the job and still holds the position today. In 2000 George was awarded the Olin Fellowship in Law and Economics at Cornell University. He is currently president of the Australian Law and Economics Association, and was past president of the Law and Economics Association of NZ. He is on the editorial board of the European Journal of Law and Economcs and is the editor of the Asia Pacific Law and Economics Review.
George, along with Stephen Tindall and David Teece was also a founding Director of KEA, a global community set up to help New Zealanders achieve around the world. He is currently the director on the global board.
George enjoyed his time studying at The University of Auckland and involved himself in University life by participating in several clubs and performing in two Summer Shakespeares and other winter plays with the theatre workshop.
Dr Charles Perrings is a lecturer George remembers for his passion for using economics to address fundamental social and economic problems confronting society. He also remembers Professor Bill Hodge for his commitment to constitutional government and civil rights.
George advises students to work hard at their studies and focus on what they are good at and have a passion for. He believes it is important to be clear of your objectives, to be generous to others and stay connected with those you meet along the way.
In his spare time George enjoys spending time with his family, reading, films, music, art and travel.
One of George's four older brothers is also a Law School alumnus.
George is the alumni group co-ordinator for The University of Auckland in Sydney.
