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.

Philip William Lowe

Photograph of Philip Lowe

Governor since 18 September 2016
Present term ends 17 September 2023

Glenn Robert Stevens AC

Photograph of Glenn Stevens

September 2006 – September 2016

Ian John Macfarlane AC

Photograph of Ian Macfarlane

September 1996 – September 2006

Bernard William (Bernie) Fraser

Photograph of Bernie Fraser

September 1989 – September 1996

Robert Alan (Bob) Johnston AC

Photograph of Bob Johnston

August 1982 – July 1989

Sir Harold Murray (Harry) Knight KBE DSC

Photograph of Harold Knight

July 1975 – August 1982

Deceased 19 June 2015

Sir John Grant (Jock) Phillips KBE

Photograph of John Phillips

July 1968 – July 1975

Deceased 8 October 1986

Herbert Cole (Nugget) Coombs

Photograph of Herbert 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

Photograph of Herbert Coombs

January 1949 – January 1960

Deceased 29 October 1997

Hugh Traill Armitage CMG

Photograph of Hugh Traill Armitage

July 1941 – December 1948

Deceased 18 October 1963

Sir Henry John (Harry) Sheehan KBE

Photograph of Harry Sheehan

February 1938 – March 1941

Deceased 26 March 1941

Sir Ernest Cooper Riddle KBE

Photograph of Ernest Riddle

October 1926 – February 1938

Deceased 28 February 1939

James Kell

Photograph of James Kell

October 1924 – October 1926

Deceased 5 April 1933

Sir Denison Samuel King Miller KCMG

Photograph of Denison Miller

June 1912 – June 1923

Deceased 6 June 1923