But Michele Bullock will make history when she takes up one of the biggest jobs in the ‘city’ as Reserve Bank governor in September.

She will be the first woman to hold the post after previously breaking new ground when appointed deputy governor last year.

In a revealing interview with her alma mater at the time, she spoke of how her near 40-year career at the central bank could have taken a very different path.

Accepted into medicine at the University of NSW, the then-17-year-old didn’t know if she was cut out for it.

Her father, an administrator and data processor at the University of New England, suggested she speak with people about the economics course she had enjoyed in school.

“As a country girl, I found the idea of going to the big city quite daunting, so staying at home was a good option,” Ms Bullock said.

“I found economics interesting; it was useful in day-to-day life and topical.”

The public-service element of her job had led her to spend her entire career at the Reserve Bank, she said.

“It’s offered a great breadth of things for me to contribute to and, underlying it all, is that it’s in the public interest, which works for me,” Ms Bullock said.

She said she was also keenly aware of serving as a role model for other women working at the RBA.

“I want to be inclusive, welcoming and make a level playing field upon which everyone can contribute,” Ms Bullock said.

“And I think I bring that from my country upbringing.”

That approach will be key as she leads an overhaul of the culture and operations of the RBA following a landmark review.

Keen observers expect to see a continuation of outgoing governor Philip Lowe’s approach to setting interest rates, especially since Ms Bullock has been in every meeting since they started going up.

NAB economist Ivan Colhoun believes there are likely to be few implications for the hiking cycle but said she was likely to be seen as “more practical and less theoretical than her predecessor”.

“As a very level-headed individual, she seems well suited to implement many of the recommendations for cultural change at the RBA,” he said.

The economist also said Ms Bullock’s involvement in the branch responsible for financial system stability suggested she may be “more attuned” to the risks facing households from the sharp rise in interest rates.

The decision, announced this morning, brings an end to the term of Philip Lowe and was likely to usher in major changes already flagged for the RBA.

Bullock, who is currently deputy governor of the RBA will begin her seven-year term on September 18.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Bullock’s appointment struck the optimal balance between providing exceptional experience and enterprise and offering a fresh leadership perspective.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulated Bullock.

“Michele is an outstanding economist, with a long and distinguished career at the central bank. At a critical time for the global economy, her job will be an important one,” the Prime Minister said.

Lowe admitted the appointment of Bullock was a good one.

“The Treasurer has made a first-rate appointment. I congratulate Michele on being appointed Governor,” he said.

“The Reserve Bank is in very good hands as it deals with the current inflation challenge and implementing the recommendations of the review of the RBA.”

Bullock said she was deeply honoured to be appointed to the role.

“It is a challenging time to be coming into this role, but I will be supported by a strong executive team and board,” she said.

“I am committed to ensuring that the Reserve Bank delivers on its policy and operational objectives for the benefit of the Australian people.”

IFM economist Alex Joiner said the appointment meant little in terms of policy direction.

“I suspect she will need to focus on implementing the review and importantly steady the #RBA ship with so much central banking experience being lost recently with Lowe, Debelle, Ellis, Kearns, Heath (at least on secondment) all gone,” he said.

Before the decision was made, the ANZ today changed its call on interest rates, saying the RBA was likely to leave rates unchanged at its next meeting.

“This change in our view is unrelated to any decision regarding the RBA Governor,” the bank said.

“Rather it reflects an assessment of the economy based on a deterioration in forward‑looking labour market indicators, good news on the global inflation front and increasing anecdotal evidence (including in our own spending data) that the most recent rate rises have had an impact on consumer behaviour.”

There had been speculation that the Government would look outside the ranks of RBA for a replacement, but Bullock’s appointment was likely to be an acceptable one to markets.

Chalmers also thanked Lowe for his service and said he had overseen the bank during a period of exceptional economic disruption and uncertainty.

“We respect and appreciate the remarkable dedication and contribution he has made to our country and our economy and the way he has conducted himself in a difficult role at a challenging time,” Chalmers said.