A breakdown of the latest appointments in the Australian Public Service and across the public services of the states and territories.
APS Senior Executive Service
Band 1
Yvette Adeney is now chief corporate officer at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Mardi Javis has joined the tribunal from Defence as executive director for user experience and member support.
Peter Good has become assistant secretary of industry, innovation, science and communications at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The Department of Health and Aged Care has promoted Monique Morgan, Jennifer Frisby, Amanda Cheser and Amanda Smith to assistant secretaries.
Band 2
The Office of Parliamentary Counsel has promoted Karyn MacMullin to first assistant parliamentary counsel in its management stream.
Other federal
National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People established
An independent National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People will be officially operational from 13 January next year to bring better outcomes for First Nations people.
The commission has been established as an executive agency under the Public Service Act 1999 with applications for the role of the National Commissioner to open this month. It will work across a range of issues, including the over representation of Indigenous children in out-of-home care and youth detention.
A First Nations person will lead as Commissioner, working directly with Indigenous youth and groups such as the Safe and Supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group, other First Nations leaders, state and territory Children’s Commissioners, Guardians and Advocates, as well as the National Children’s Commissioner and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner.
Policy advice will then be provided from the Commissioner to governments to assist in the implementation of key policy frameworks and coordination.
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) CEO Catherine Liddle said after four decades of advocacy, the office was now official and recruitment for the commissioner should start before the end of the month. Photo: SNAICC.
New Zealand Major General appointed Australia’s newest Deputy Chief of Joint Operations
Major General Hugh McAslan, DSD, New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has been appointed to a new senior position within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as the partnership with our closest neighbour expands.
His ascension to the role of Australia’s newest Deputy Chief of Joint Operations marks the highest senior appointment of an officer from a foreign military into the ADF.
It also comes following the recent appointment of ADF Brigadier Michael Bassingthwaighte, DSM, as the Deputy Commander Headquarters Joint Force New Zealand.
The Major General has spent 35 years in the NZDF working alongside the ADF in operations throughout the world, including Iraq and Timor-Leste, within the strategic intelligence community and across the Indo-Pacific region.
Major General Hugh McAslan (left) and Commodore Aaron Nye, CSC, RAN, during a change-of-command ceremony at General John Baker Complex, Bungendore. Photo: Defence/Emma Schwenke.
New Inspector-General appointed to oversee animal welfare and live animal exports
Dr Katherine Clift has been appointed Australia’s new Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports for five years.
The previous office of the Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports was expanded in December 2023 through amended legislation to include defined animal welfare-related objectives and expertise.
Dr Clift has a background in primary industries and experience leading regulatory systems, including animal welfare, agricultural and veterinary chemical use, food safety, and biosecurity.
Her tenure will see her undertake audits and reviews focused on the systems and processes that underpin the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry regulatory activities.
Dr Clift has experience working in primary industry departments in South Australia, Western Australia and more recently as the executive director of Biosecurity Victoria. Photo: IGAWLAE.
Appointments to the Stronger Places, Stronger People leadership
The Federal Government has made a series of appointments to the Stronger Places, Stronger People (SPSP) National Leadership Group, including Karyn Baylis as its new chair.
Under her leadership, the group will continue its mission to address disadvantage and create better futures for children and their families by strengthening the structures that support the initiative.
Ms Baylis is the non-executive director of Elanor Investors Group, and was instrumental in advancing the Jawun program. She comes with a wealth of industry expertise across the real estate funds management sector and various multinational businesses, and has worked on some of the leading Indigenous reform voices in the country.
The group consists of 13 non-government leaders from across communities, business, philanthropy, academia and service delivery, along with Special Advisers from the Commonwealth, state and territory governments.
Four other new members have joined: Natalie Egleton, Martin Hawson, Professor Maggie Walter and Professor Kirsty Muir. Dr Michelle Lucas has joined as a community representative.
The Federal Government committed $64 million over six years to 30 June, 2029, to extend and enhance the existing partnerships under the SPSP initiative.
Professor Jack Beetson, Max Saxby, Tara Day-Williams and Carolyn Atkins share good practices at a panel for the SPSP initiative. Photo: CFI.
Changing of the guard at the NDIS Commission
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has thanked outgoing Acting NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner Michael Phelan APM for his contribution over the past six months, as new Commissioner Louise Glanville and Associate Commissioner Natalie Wade take the helm.
Minister Shorten said Acting Commissioner Phelan’s strong focus on weeding out unscrupulous providers while strengthening the NDIS Commission’s processes and keeping a focus on safeguarding the rights of people with disability had resulted in significant improvements.
During his tenure, the NDIS Commission:
- Initiated the design of a fit-for-purpose risk-based Prioritisation Model to ensure the NDIS Commission’s resources are directed to the matters of the highest priority;
- Implemented a state-of-the-art communication system in the contact centre, which has resulted in twice as many calls handled;
- Advocated for the proposed reforms to registration to be prioritised, which will begin with compulsory registration for platform providers, support coordinators and SIL providers;
- Strengthened compliance and enforcement processes and prioritised intelligence functions to maximise the return on the Australian Government’s investment in DART;
- Commissioned an external human resources review to bolster the NDIS Commission’s HR function as it matures;
- Appointed the firm led by former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick to lead a comprehensive review into the workplace culture of the NDIS Commission.
Before entering the NDIS, Michael Phelan served as CEO of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and director of the Australian Institute of Criminology. Photo: ACIC.
Committee established to share the future of NDIS pricing
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has established an Independent Pricing Committee to review the scheme’s pricing approaches and recommend changes designed to lead to a higher quality and sustainable disability provider market.
It has already begun work, aiming to make its first recommendations to the NDIA board by the end of this year, with further recommendations in February 2025. After taking into account the views of people with disability, providers and unions, its advice will be used to support the development of the 2024-25 Annual Pricing Review.
The committee’s members are Stephen Anthony (chair), Gemma Henderson and Dr Ron Ben-David.
Over the past three decades, committee chair Mr Anthony has worked in the Federal Treasury and Department of Finance, the International Monetary Fund, and the private sector providing advice on macroeconomic policy, global capital markets, taxation reform, and budget analysis. He was also the lead economic analyst and adviser to the ACT’s Taxation Review and was chief economist at Industry Super Australia for almost six years.
Independent Pricing Committee chair Stephen Anthony is the chief economist at Macroeconomics Advisory. Photo: Monash University.
Social Media Summit program for Adelaide component revealed
ASIO director-general Mike Burgess AM will deliver the keynote address at the South Australian component of the Australian-first two-day, two-state Social Media Summit in October.
The South Australian component of the summit will be hosted and moderated in Adelaide on Friday, 11 October, by renowned author and journalist Annabel Crabb following the NSW Government’s sessions in Sydney on 10 October.
It will open with a video presentation by influential social psychologist and international bestselling author Jonathan Haidt, whose book The Anxious Generation discusses an insightful investigation into the collapse of youth mental health.
The summit will also hear a message from former Chief Justice of the High Court Robert French AC, discussing his recent report, commissioned by the SA Government, outlining a legislative vehicle to ban children under the age of 14 from accessing social media.
The first panel will feature:
- President of Children and Media Australia and constitutional law expert Professor Elizabeth Handsley;
- Experienced educator and incoming chief executive of the SA Secondary Schools Association Kirsty Amos;
- Founder and CEO of The Carly Ryan Foundation Sonya Ryan;
- Co-founder of Wait Mate and concerned parent Jessica Mendoza-Roth.
The second panel, focused on public health, prevention and education, will feature:
- Clinic director of advanced psychology services and senior research fellow in psychology at Flinders University Simon Wilksch, who is dedicated to reducing the burden of eating disorders and other mental health problems;
- Adjunct fellow at the School of Psychological Sciences Macquarie University Dr Danielle Einstein, who is a registered clinical psychologist internationally known for her research on anxiety and adolescent social media use;
- St Ignatius’ College principal Lauren Brooks, who is passionate about working alongside its students to shape the future together.
The day will also feature a Q&A discussion with representatives from The Advertiser Teen Parliament.
In the lead-up to the summit, South Australians are being encouraged to share their views on social media via a survey.
NSW Premier Chris Minns (left) and SA Premier Peter Malinauskas. Both days of the upcoming Social Media Summit, in Adelaide and Sydney, will be livestreamed and the NSW Government has recently announced the first day of the program at the ICC. Photos: Facebook.
Attorney-General announces new Justice Reinvestment initiatives
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has announced another six initiatives as part of the Federal Government’s national justice reinvestment program.
The program is a long-term, community-led approach to preventing crime, improving community safety and reducing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people in contact with the justice system.
As part of the First Nations justice package, the Federal Government has committed $79 million to support up to 30 community-led justice reinvestment initiatives in First Nations communities across Australia.
Following an assessment process by an independent panel, the following initiatives have been selected:
- Kurdiji Aboriginal Corporation, Lajamanu, NT
- Healthy Dreaming Pty Ltd, Port Augusta, SA
- ATSI Corporation Family Prevention and Legal Service – Djirra, Melton, VIC
- Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation, Mossman, QLD
- Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council, Napranum, QLD
- Aboriginal Male’s Healing Centre, Newman, WA.
Appointments to the Administrative Review Tribunal
The Federal Government has recommended to Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC 43 new appointments to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) – the new federal administrative review body that will replace the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) from 14 October.
They comprise 18 senior members and 25 general members:
- Senior members:
- Sean Baker
- Katherine Bean
- Alison Bellamy
- Joanne Collins
- Dr Bridget Cullen
- Dr Denis Dragovic
- Phillip French
- Andrew George
- Marten Kennedy
- Giovanni Longo
- Chelsea Lyford
- Jane Marquard
- Alison Murphy
- Kim Parker
- Kira Raif
- Theodore Tavoularis
- Susan Trotter
- Simon Webb.
- General members:
- Michael Abood
- Naomi Bryant
- Robert Cameron
- John Cipolla
- David Cosgrave
- Angela Cranston
- Matthew Currie
- Susan De Bono
- Dr Jason Donnelly
- Tegen Downes
- Casey Dutkowski
- Shane Evans
- Katherine Harvey
- Edward Howard
- David James
- Li Luo
- Brygyda Maiden
- Paul Maishman
- Christopher Matthies
- Justin Meyer
- Mark O’Loughlin
- Justin Owen
- Wayne Pennell
- Mary Sheargold
- Susan Woodford.
States and Territories
Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council takes in three new members
Three new people have joined the 11-person Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council. They oversee the management and protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage across Victoria, ensuring responsibility for this heritage remaining with traditional owners.
Treaty and First Peoples Minister Natalie Hutchins announced the appointment of Dylan Clarke, Daniel Ross and Annette Xiberras to the council.
Mr Clarke is chairperson of the Barengi Gadjin Land Council and has extensive expertise in cultural heritage management.
Mr Ross has more than 20 years of experience working in cultural heritage management and the construction sector, including as a field representative and Aboriginal heritage officer for the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
Ms Xiberras has worked in cultural heritage for 38 years, including as chair of several Aboriginal advisory committees and boards.
Council members serve three-year terms, and recruitment is now open for additional upcoming vacancies.
Victorian traditional owners who live in Victoria and have extensive knowledge and experience of Aboriginal cultural heritage management are encouraged to apply.
Daniel Ross, Dylan Clarke and Annette Xiberras. Photo: Wamarra, FPAV, VAHC.
Aaron Johnstone takes the mantle of Queensland’s Renewable Energy Jobs Advocate
Queensland’s new Renewable Energy Jobs Advocate, Aaron Johnstone, has officially begun his role working with regional communities.
Mr Johnstone, who has spent nearly 30 years helping shape public policy and collaborating with industry, is working to advise government on how to create new employment in the energy sector throughout the Sunshine State. His role will include providing strategic advice to government and key stakeholders, engaging with key energy infrastructure proponents, and promoting new job opportunities in regional Queensland.
Aaron Johnstone has held roles with Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia and Australian Industry Group, and is the founder of Interact Policy and Industry Solutions. Photo: IPIS.
Former coronial inquests supervisor appointed as new WA Coroner
Western Australia’s (WA) Finance Minister Sue Ellery has announced the appointment of Robyn Hartley as a new Coroner of the state’s court.
She brings a wealth of experience to the Coroner’s Court, including nearly 20 years as a lawyer in the State Solicitor’s Office, during which she represented state agencies in 75 coronial inquests.
Ms Hartley rose to the position of Senior Assistant State Solicitor and was the supervisor of coronial inquests at the State Solicitor’s Office from April 2022 to May 2024. During her time in that position, she managed all requests for representation from WA Government agencies involved in coronial investigations and inquests.
Since May 2024, Ms Hartley has been a full-time member of the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT), where she has presided over hearings and conducted mediations related to a broad range of issues.
Former WA prosecutor boosts magistrates’ ranks
Sarah Wisbey has joined the WA Magistrates Court after serving for many years as a state prosecutor at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The new appointment increases the number of magistrates presiding in the Magistrates Court as it manages an increasing workload.
Ms Wisbey has served as a state prosecutor on an ODPP trial team that provided advice and appeared in the District and Supreme courts for trials, directions hearings and contested bail applications. She has also served as a prosecutor on the ODPP’s Early Resolution Team, which reviewed matters identified as capable of resolution before trial.
New managing director appointed for South Regional TAFE in WA
Blair Marsh has been appointed to the position of managing director at South Regional TAFE.
His five-year term begins on 2 November following his appointment by WA Governor Chris Dawson AC APM.
Minister for Training Hannah Beazley acknowledged the service of Kathy Keay, who has been ably leading South Regional TAFE as acting managing director for 12 months during a time of unprecedented demand for vocational education and training in WA.
Mr Marsh has worked in WA’s TAFE sector for 20 years, spending time in regional colleges and most recently as the general manager of training services at South Metropolitan TAFE for eight years.
Respected environmental scientist appointed as WA EPA chair
Darren Walsh has been appointed chair of WA’s independent Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
Mr Walsh brings significant experience in environmental impact assessment, planning and policy to the role after being appointed to the EPA board in November 2023.
He replaces Professor Matthew Tonts, who stepped down from the board earlier this year.
Mr Walsh’s appointment comes as former Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety executive director of resource and environmental compliance Karen Caple is appointed to the EPA’s board.
Ms Caple will replace outgoing board member Professor Fiona Haslam-McKenzie, and joins existing members Lee McIntosh (deputy chair), Hamish Beck and Jane Bennett on the board.
Darren Walsh previously served as independent Appeals Convener to the Environment Minister from 2003 to 2006, and has sat on the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s national and state councils. Photo: DWER WA.
New chief executive of Green Industries SA appointed
Longstanding senior public servant Josh Wheeler has been appointed chief executive of the South Australian Government’s circular economy agency, Green Industries SA (GISA).
Mr Wheeler has been acting in the role since Professor Ian Overton finished up in March and was GISA’s head of governance and corporate business functions before this.
He was appointed due to his significant experience, including leading the agency tasked with driving South Australia’s transition to a circular economy under the Green Industries SA Act 2004.
The chief executive also previously worked for the state’s environmental regulator and several other agencies since joining the public sector through a government traineeship program 20 years ago.
Josh Wheeler has two decades of experience in the South Australian public sector, including eight years at GISA where he has led the development of South Australia’s single-use plastics legislation. Photo: SA Government.
Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure appointed in Tasmania
Liberal Member for Prosser Kerry Vincent has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure in Tasmania.
As the former mayor of Sorell, he played an instrumental role in the transformation of Sorell that’s seen the construction and delivery of generational infrastructure for his constituents, in partnership with the Tasmanian and Federal governments.
Kerry Vincent will help the Tasmanian Government embark on a $5.1 billion infrastructure agenda. Photo: Font Publishing.
