Past & Present Governors
Reserve Bank of Australia Governors
In 1959, the original body corporate, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, was preserved as the Reserve Bank of Australia in legislation, specifically to carry on the central banking functions.
Michele Bullock
Governor since 18 September 2023
Present term ends 17 September 2030
Philip William Lowe
September 2016 – September 2023
Glenn Robert Stevens AC
September 2006 – September 2016
Ian John Macfarlane AC
September 1996 – September 2006
Bernard William (Bernie) Fraser
September 1989 – September 1996
Robert Alan (Bob) Johnston AC
August 1982 – July 1989
Deceased 20 March 2023
Sir Harold Murray (Harry) Knight KBE DSC
July 1975 – August 1982
Deceased 19 June 2015
Sir John Grant (Jock) Phillips KBE
July 1968 – July 1975
Deceased 8 October 1986
Herbert Cole (Nugget) Coombs
January 1960 – July 1968
Deceased 29 October 1997
Commonwealth Bank of Australia Governors
In 1911, legislation established the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Herbert Cole (Nugget) Coombs
January 1949 – January 1960
Deceased 29 October 1997
Hugh Traill Armitage CMG
July 1941 – December 1948
Deceased 18 October 1963
Sir Henry John (Harry) Sheehan KBE
February 1938 – March 1941
Deceased 26 March 1941
Sir Ernest Cooper Riddle KBE
October 1926 – February 1938
Deceased 28 February 1939
James Kell
October 1924 – October 1926
Deceased 5 April 1933
Sir Denison Samuel King Miller KCMG
June 1912 – June 1923
Deceased 6 June 1923