The former Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service, Kelly O’Dwyer honoured the latest recipients of the Public Service Medal at a special function in Canberra, just one day before leaving her Ministerial position.
Ms O’Dwyer, in her former role, said the Australian Public Service played a special part in the nation due to its impartiality and reliability.
“Your loyalties and your devotion don’t lie with one side of politics or the other, but rather with the people of Australia,” Ms O’Dwyer told the gathering.
“This gives you all a special place in the Australian political system”.
She noted that Australia had proudly honoured the tireless and outstanding work of Public Service members for many years.
“Back when Australians were recognised through the British Imperial system, one particular Public Servant, Ms Hazel Craig, was honoured by the Queen three times,” Ms O’Dwyer said.
“Hazel was described as the perfect Public Servant, with one colleague reportedly noting that, ‘she served the Labor Party with the same loyalty and dedication as the Liberals’.”
“I believe this is true of all Public Servants,” Ms O’Dwyer said.
She said that throughout the “occasional tumult” of the legislative branch of Government, the administrative branch — the Australian Public Service — continued to serve the Australian people.
“I think we can all agree: You don’t become a Public Servant for the accolades or admiration. You’re driven instead by a deep desire to help create a better country,” Ms O’Dwyer said.
She singled out a number of recipients of the Public Service Medal (PSM) for special mention including Jane Gallagher PSM of Veterans’ Affairs, Allan McKinnon PSM of Home Affairs, Gary Johnston PSM of Geoscience Australia and Mark Konza PSM of the Australian Taxation Office.
She also mentioned Debbie Bowden, who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.
“She has spent the last 32 years making sure other remarkable Australians receive recognition,” Ms O’Dwyer said.
“Debbie has worked behind the scenes at Government House, in the Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat, to ensure that our awards processes run smoothly and seamlessly.”
She said she wished she could mention all the recipients of the Public Service Medal, but time did not permit.
