Ben Emerson

Ben is known for his clear thinking and ability to deliver practical, evidence-based advice in complex, high-stakes environments.

Ben’s specialisation in technology and public policy is built on a career that spans government and the private sector.

At the Department of Defence, Ben held a variety of roles between 2017 and 2022, including data analyst, operations manager and liaison to the Office of the Minister for Defence. He was promoted to Executive Level in 2021 and in 2022 his work received a national award.

He later joined the Department of Home Affairs as a policy officer specialising in cyber security and strategic stakeholder engagement.

Ben was Policy Analyst at the Australian Automobile Association and led the 2016 Australian Road Assessment Program.

Ben is also the founder of Klara, a software and consulting business that helps Australian manufacturers improve productivity, compliance and decision-making through better use of data.

At Emerson Economics, he completed the impact analysis and policy development for the 2024–2025 review of regulation for the grape and wine sector, and delivered advice to clients including Santos, AGL Energy and the PNG Government.

He holds a first-class honours degree in philosophy from the Australian National University, majoring in mathematics, philosophy and German.