Hilary Bek has been employed at CAEPR since 1991, in various research capacities, as research assistant to the director. She completed an arts degree at Canberra College of Advanced Education in 1978. The research projects on which she has worked include economic implications of native title and the economic potential of increased Indigenous participation in commercial fisheries in the Torres Strait. In 1999 Hilary edited Monograph No. 13 Connections in Native Title with Dr Julie Finlayson and Professor Bruce Rigsby.

Hilary undertakes editorial work in the CAEPR publications program, compiles the annual report, provides update material for the CAEPR website, and is responsible for other research dissemination activities.