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Dr Dale, a leading economist whose distinguished career spanned over three decades across academia, financial markets, consultancy, and industry economics, has passed away at the age of 58.
Over the course of his broad career, Dr Dale held academic, consultancy, and senior economist roles at prominent institutions across Australia and New Zealand.
Throughout his career, Dr Dale was a pivotal figure in national policy discussions, championing housing supply, land availability, infrastructure investment, tax reform, and workforce development to address the nation's long-standing issue of housing shortages.
Known for his analytical precision and high media profile, he was also deeply committed to mentoring colleagues and supporting the next generation of industry leaders.
Dr Dale started his economic career after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Studies from the University of Auckland (1985–1988), winning the Senior Prize in both Economics and Political Studies in 1988.
He went on to complete a Master of Arts in Economics with a sub-major in Political Studies at the University of Auckland (1990–1991), graduating with First Class Honours—one of only three graduates to achieve this distinction in a cohort of over 30 students.
Moving to Australia at the end of 1992, he undertook an ANU PhD Scholarship in Economics at The Australian National University (1993–1997).
Early on in his career, he lectured and tutored at the University of Auckland and the University of Canberra, held a visiting scholarship at the Centre for Asian Studies at the University of Hong Kong, prior to becoming a professional economist.
He served as an economist at financial institutions including major bank Westpac (where he worked as an economist between 1998-2002) before becoming the senior economist at investment banking company Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB).
However, Dr Dale was perhaps best known for his long career and involvement at the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
Joining as a senior economist in 2003, he served as HIA’s chief economist from 2007 to 2017, leading HIA Economics and its consultancy arm, Australian Construction Insights (ACI), into building new forecasting and analytical platforms.
In 2018, he transitioned to the role of executive director – skills and industry development, where he focused on vocational training, apprentice policy, and skilled migration until March 2020.
In more recent years, Dr Dale served as the chief economist for commercial credit bureau CreditorWatch (2020-2022) and established his own consultancy, HDD Economics, in 2020, where he provided economic analysis, commentary and forecasting.
The respected economist also provided pro bono editorial guidance to Master's and PhD students who had English as a second language and was a member of the board of directors for SkillsOz, where he assisted the construction and property services sectors by developing education and training resources and providing workforce development solutions.
'One of Australia's most respected housing economists'
Paying tribute to his legacy, HIA managing director Jocelyn Martin acknowledged Dr Dale as one of the country's most influential economic voices: “Harley was one of Australia's most respected housing economists, but to those of us who worked alongside him, he was also a valued colleague, mentor and friend,” she said.
“His intellect, integrity and unwavering commitment to improving housing outcomes helped shape industry debate and public policy for more than two decades.
“Harley had an extraordinary ability to explain complex economic issues, challenge conventional thinking and keep the focus on the policies needed to ensure more Australians could access a home,” she said.
“Many of the housing challenges Australia faces today are issues Harley identified and advocated on many years ago. His contribution to HIA, our members and the broader residential building industry has left a lasting legacy.
“We are deeply saddened by his passing and our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones.”
A funeral for Dr Dale will be held at 1.30pm on Wednesday (16 September) at Norwood Park Crematorium, 65 Sandford St, Canberra ACT.
[Related: In Memoriam: Craig ‘Bakes’ Bacon, 1967–2023]
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