In 1930 he was hired as the Bank of New South Wales' economic consultant, a full-time position in Sydney.[1] This was the first time that such a position had been filled by an actual economist in Australia; Shann established an economics department at the bank and advised it on economic issues relevant to it.[1] He held this position for three years, during which time he became active in an economic advisory capacity to the Australian government. To this end in 1931 he joined the Copland Committee which helped to formulate the Premiers' Plan to combat the great depression; in 1932 he assisted Sir Wallace Bruce's committee on unemployment; in 1932 he advised the government at the Ottawa Conference and again in 1933 at the London Economic Conference.[1] In all of these roles he emerged as a strong proponent of free trade and flexible markets and against expansionary fiscal policy.[1]