The Public Sector Commissioner and State Recovery Controller, Sharyn O’Neill (pictured) recently featured in Conversations at Government House, spending time with the Governor, Kim Beazley discussing the State’s recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms O’Neill spoke about her longstanding career in the public sector, her role as State Recovery Controller dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and thoughts around Western Australia’s recovery and pathway forward.
She said there had been collaborative and innovative contributions from the public and private sectors on the health, economic and social impacts of the pandemic.
“People were talking to each other about the different impacts, hearing from each other and were looking for ideas to go into the future, in a way that, I think, was remarkable,” Ms O’Neill said.
“I’ve been so pleased with the outcomes. It was a great opportunity, but what we learned was the level of collaboration and innovation, and people’s willingness to join together and work together.”
She said there had been a focus on rebooting the State’s economy and regrouping the community, praising the resilience and strength of Western Australians.
“It’s been tough to hear the stories of individuals — of families; of businesses,” Ms O’Neill said.
“I pay respects to the families who have lost people through the pandemic. It’s tough, but we’re tough people [in WA], and I’m hopeful for the future.”
The full conversation between Ms O’Neill and the Governor can be accessed at this PS News link.
