Public Sector Commissioner, Sharyn O’Neill has made a number of personnel changes with the aim of renewing senior leadership in the public sector.
Ms O’Neill’s changes reflect the Government’s new Ministry and key priorities established for the next four years, as well as the pending retirement of four Directors General.
Vacancies were being created by the impending retirements of Gail McGowan at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage in August; David Smith at Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, in June; Duncan Ord of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, in August; and Anne Driscoll at Training and Workforce Development, also in August.
Ms O’Neill said Ms Driscoll had completed her service and was currently on entitled leave.
“With initiatives in the WA Recovery Plan well under way and many Departments moving to new phases of operations, I have strategically placed leaders to deliver maximum benefits for the Western Australian community,” Ms O’Neill said.
“The Public Sector Commission will commence recruitment processes in due course for the Agencies with vacancies in the Director General position.”
Premier, Mark McGowan said the public sector had seen the State through some difficult times over the past 18 months brought about by the pandemic.
“In addition to responding to the State’s health needs during the crisis, sector leaders have driven the WA Recovery Plan to get WA businesses open and communities back on their feet quickly, and I thank them all for this work,” Mr McGowan said.
“The departure of some Directors General who are retiring has created an opportunity for renewal and rejuvenation in the senior leadership roles within the public sector.”
He thanked the Directors General for their years of service to the Government and wished them well.
“These important changes display the strength of public sector leadership to be adaptable, collaborative, responsive and prepared to serve wherever the need for their skills and experience is greatest,” the Premier said.
New appointments are: Mike Rowe (pictured), Department of Communities; Rebecca Brown, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation; Richard Sellers, Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety; and Michelle Andrews, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
In addition there are the following Acting Directors General: Nicki Godecke at the Department of Finance; Lanie Chopping, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries; Jodi Cant, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage; and Emily Roper, Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Ms Cant is to return to her role as Director General at the Department of Finance once recruitment and an appointment is finalised at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
