Matt Yannopoulos has been appointed Secretary of the Finance Department. Photo: Defence.
Matt Yannopoulos is the new Secretary of the Department of Finance, filling a three-month vacancy created with the promotion of the department’s former boss, Jenny Wilkinson, to Treasury Secretary.
Anthony Albanese announced Mr Yannopoulos’s appointment on Monday afternoon (8 September), saying he will take up the position at the end of this month.
“I am pleased to announce I intend to recommend to the Governor-General that she appoint Mr Matt Yannopoulos PSM as Secretary of the Department of Finance,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.
“Mr Yannopoulos returns to the Department of Finance, after serving as the Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence since October 2021.
“Prior to joining the Department of Defence, Mr Yannopoulos was Deputy Secretary, Budget and Financial Reporting at the Department of Finance.
“In this position, he provided policy and financial advice to the Australian Government on expenditure and non-taxation revenue policy issues.
“As an experienced senior leader within the Australian Public Service, Mr Yannopoulos brings diverse experience to the position.
“I would like to thank Mr Richard Windeyer for acting as Secretary of the Department of Finance since June 2025.
“Mr Windeyer will return to his position of Deputy Secretary of Commercial Group at the department.”
In January 2019, Mr Yannopoulos was awarded a Public Service Medal for his substantial achievements as Deputy Secretary, Senior Responsible Officer for the Child Care Reform Implementation at the Department of Education.
His five-year term will start on 29 September 2025.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher added her approval of the appointment, congratulating the new Secretary and praising his credentials.
“I congratulate Matt Yannopoulos on being appointed the new Secretary of the Department of Finance,” Senator Gallagher said.
“Mr Yannopoulos brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of public sector governance, budget management and delivering outcomes for the Australian community.
“His leadership will be critical as the department continues its vital work supporting the government’s priorities and ensuring strong, sustainable public finances.
“I look forward to working closely with Matt and the department’s senior leadership team as we continue the important work of delivering responsible budgets, investing in Australia’s future, and strengthening our economy.
“I would also like to thank Richard Windeyer for acting as Secretary of the Department of Finance during the past few months and look forward to continuing to work with him in his substantive role as the Deputy Secretary of the Commercial Group at the Department.”
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Region Canberra.
