Ian Watt

Background and career Watt was born in Victoria and raised in Reservoir in Melbourne's northern suburbs. He was educated at La Trobe University and joined the Australian Public Service in 1971 in the Victorian Division of the Post Master General's Department. He completed his honours degree at the University of Melbourne before commencing a cadetship with the Department of the Treasury in 1973. Watt completed his master's degree and PhD at La Trobe University before returning to The Treasury in 1985. until his appointment to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in September 2011. Watt resigned from the role in November 2014. His departure had been speculated since the Abbott government took office in September 2013.

Watt is the former chair of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD's) Working Party of Senior Budget Officials.

Honours Watt was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2008. In 2016 Watt was appointed a Companion of the Order.