Public Service staff at all levels and in all States and Territories have been recognised by the Queen for their commitment and excellence in serving the people of Australia to mark the occasion of Her Majesty’s birthday in 2022.
The Queen’s awards for members of the Australian Public Service (APS) are presented in accordance with the Order of Australia and announced on Her Majesty’s behalf by his Excellency the Governor-General, General David Hurley.
Current and past members of the APS being honoured on this occasion, including the recipients of the Public Service Medal, were:
COMPANION IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AC)
Tanya Mary MONRO AC
Department of Defence
For eminent service to scientific and technological development, to research and innovation, to tertiary education, particularly in the field of photonics, and to professional organisation s.
Professor Monro has been Chief Defence Scientist in the Department of Defence’s Defence Science and Technology Group since 2019.
Brendan Francis MURPHY AC
Department of Health
For eminent service to medical administration and community health, particularly as Chief Medical Officer, and to nephrology, to research and innovation, and to professional organisations.
Dr Murphy is Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Health since January 2020, delayed until July 2020 due to COVID-19. He was also the nation’s Chief Medical Officer, from 2016 to 2020.
OFFICER IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AO)
Ross Stewart MacDIARMID AO,
Royal Australian Mint
For significant service to public administration, and to the community through a range of roles.
Mr MacDiarmid was Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australia Mint from 2010 to 2020.
John Owen STONE AO
Treasury
For distinguished service to the people and Parliament of Australia, and to public administration.
Mr Stone was Secretary of the Treasury from 1979 to 1984 and a Senator for Queensland from 1987 to 1990.
MEMBER IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM)
Keith Clifford BELL RFD AM
ACT Land Information Centre.
For significant service to surveying, to geospatial information, and to humanitarian operations .
Dr Bell was General Manager of the ACT Land Information Centre from 1996 to 1999.
MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (OAM)
Michelle Louise COFFILL OAM
Australian Public Service Commission
For service to public administration, and to animal welfare.
Ms Coffill has been Senior Advisor, Executive Remuneration and Statutory Offices Group in the Australian Public Service Commission since 2019
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)
Malcolm David ADAMS AM PSM
Royal Australian Navy
For outstanding public service in reforming and leading significant Major Acquisitions and Sustainment programs in Navy Ship Building.
Mr Adams has made a sustained contribution in delivering highly complex, large-scale capability to the Australian Government over the last 17 years. His contributions in reforming and leading significant Major Acquisitions and Sustainment programs in Navy Ship Building has directly enhanced Australia’s Defence and Border Force capability.
Mr Adams has made a major impact in turning around large scale problematic Navy support systems and delivering quality, innovative and on-budget outcomes, which have enhanced safety and ocean-going availability. These systems have encompassed a large range of Navy platforms, including HMASTobruk, Success, Manoora, Kanimbla and Sirius along with the guided missile frigates upgrade program.
Mr Adams is a strong, tenacious and innovative leader, with an astute awareness of technical and critical issues, a strong focus on quality and an ability to both negotiate and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.
Mr Adams’ leadership has led to the Royal Australian Navy meeting its operational and strategic deployments, reducing costs, and contributed to the high regard of Australia in the international defence community.
Michael Paul BATH PSM
Australian Office of Financial Management
For outstanding public service to support Australia’s finance and securitisation market, during the 2008-09 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Bath is widely recognised within the Commonwealth for his deep technical and policy understanding of secured finance and securitisation markets, a vital part of Australia’s financial system. His interventions to support the Australian securitisation market during disruptions caused by the 2008-09 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic provided a steadying and supportive influence on the operation of the Australian securitisation market.
Mr Bath was responsible for the Commonwealth’s interest rate swap portfolio, financial asset management and debt management strategy, as well as establishing and running investment programs to implement government policies.
Mr Bath led, devised and implemented technically complex programs, working swiftly and collaboratively to design programs, draft legislation, set up transaction reporting and governance arrangements to resolve problems. Mr Bath led negotiations with industry to design the framework to operationalise a $16 billion program to purchase residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) from smaller lenders. He also led the establishment and management of the Australian Business Securitisation Fund (ABSF), designing it to improve and strengthen the SME securitisation market infrastructure over time, eventually allowing for direct government support to be withdrawn.
Mr Bath’s sustained high level performance over two decades and his outstanding record of success and achievement in difficult circumstances, including through his proactive and collaborative engagement with industry, has been instrumental in designing and developing new and innovative programs to support Australia’s securitisation market and Australia’s financial system.
Sally BOX PSM
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
For outstanding public service for her exceptional leadership in guiding the Australian Government’s environmental response to the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.
Dr Box has shown exceptional leadership in guiding the Australian Government’s environmental response to the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires. Her leadership has been critical to the rapid prioritisation for urgent management intervention of 810 plant and animal species and ecological communities.
Dr Box applied innovative, effective and efficient measures to facilitate rapid deployment of resources. She engaged often and worked collaboratively with stakeholders across governments, scientific organisations and non-government organisations to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach was taken. Dr Box also made a substantial contribution to the valuable work of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.
Dr Box is regarded as a highly skilled administrator, outstanding communicator and exceptional leader with superior professionalism, kindness and commitment to staff.
In her role as Chair of the Wildlife and Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel, and through her outstanding role in leading the design and delivery of the $200 million bushfire recovery package, Dr Box has had an enormous impact in the national bushfire recovery efforts, the recovery of wildlife, and improving the community’s understanding of the impact of the bushfires and the need for action.
Robert Patrick BRYSON PSM
Australian Antarctic Division
For outstanding public service for his sustained role in the logistic and asset improvement and modernisation of Australia’s operational Antarctic program.
Mr Bryson was responsible for the leadership and management of a program of renewal of the logistical capabilities and infrastructure that supports Australia’s scientific activities in Antarctica. In particular, for his integral, innovative and outstanding role in the delivery of Australia’s new Antarctic research vessel, the RSV Nuyina.
Mr Bryson’s delivery of the RSV Nuyina ends 10 years of design, procurement, construction and development of one of Australia’s most important maritime assets. This complex and bespoke Government project of significant capability, was delivered to specification and on budget.
Mr Bryson was also responsible for the development of the Antarctic Traverse capability, the building of a new research station on Macquarie Island and the Davis Aerodrome Project.
Internationally, he has engaged with foreign entities and leaders, and has established enduring reputational value for Australia’s Antarctic Program.
Mr Bryson’s outstanding leadership, project management and commitment has ensured the best possible outcomes and delivery of major Government initiatives.
Alistair Lachlan CAMPBELL PSM
Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
For outstanding public service in providing critical and innovative data support and analytical services which underpinned the whole-of-government COVID-19 response with outstanding contribution and sustained effort in support of the government.
Mr Campbell has made an outstanding contribution in support of the government’s COVID-19 response since early 2020. Working with federal and state governments, and across various Australian Public Service agencies, Mr Campbell’s sustained effort in providing critical and innovative data support and analytical services was crucial to the success of key COVID-19 response priorities.
Mr Campbell demonstrated innovation crucial to success through development of tools such as the Common Operating Picture, which played a key role in identifying and agreeing the relevant metrics and was central to supporting government and National Cabinet decision making and implementation tracking. Mr Campbell provided critical services through data support for key COVID-19 response priorities including the vaccine rollout and returning Australians.
Mr Campbell led the provision of robust data and analytical reporting to inform the vaccination rollout through the Department of Health’s Operation COVID Shield and supported the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s consular response by applying and implementing strong data and analysis to assist returning Australians. He provided critical assistance and leadership both within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and through secondments to other agencies, including facilitating the transfer of knowledge and capability.
Mr Campbell embodies the spirit of true public service. He has consistently gone above and beyond in the provision of assistance to Government and across the Australian Public Service on COVID-19 matters. He is committed to service with an enthusiasm and energy that is rarely seen and has continually demonstrated his selflessness as a genuine team player.
Samantha Elizabeth CHARD PSM
Australian Radioactive Waste Agency
For outstanding public service in establishing Australia’s Radioactive Waste Agency and identifying a suitable site for a permanent radioactive waste management facility.
Ms Chard is recognised for championing Australia’s efforts in establishing the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency and for driving the process to select and secure a suitable site for a National Radioactive Waste Management Facility to consolidate and store waste.
Ms Chard’s leadership has secured significant developments in radioactive waste management in what has been a 40 year policy challenge for government. She conceived and established a dedicated agency to manage Australia’s radioactive waste and deliver and operate the first National Radioactive Waste Management Facility. Her innovative approach to project delivery and community engagement has built trust and a broad understanding of the need for a national solution.
Ms Chard’s vision, determination and innovative approach shifted the narrative from managing radioactive waste to managing nuclear medicine waste. Her open and respectful approach was instrumental in building community trust and providing stakeholders with scientific and technical advice. Ms Chard’s work in standing up the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency and progressing the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility provide a cost-effective, safe and secure solution for Australia’s radioactive waste.
Phillip Randolph CUMMINS PSM
Geoscience Australia
For outstanding public service in scientific leadership in pioneering and leading research programs to reduce risk from earthquakes and tsunamis in Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
Professor Cummins is a highly respected international leader in earthquake and tsunami science who has transformed the understanding of earthquake and tsunami risk in the region.
Professor Cummins’ scientific leadership was fundamental in the design and establishment of the Australian Tsunami Warning System and enhancing Geoscience Australia’s 24×7 global earthquake monitoring and tsunami warning capability. These systems play an important life-saving role in alerting coastal communities in Australia and around the Indian Ocean to tsunami threats.
He has made innovative contributions and successfully led research programs which have been translated in partnership with national and regional governments to achieve genuine change and safer communities.
Professor Cummins’ international credibility and reputation has enabled the Australian Government to enhance the region’s earthquake and tsunami disaster risk reduction capability.
Michelle Julie CURRY PSM
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
For outstanding public service in promoting the respectful use of the Ngunnawal language across ABC Canberra.
Ms Ainsworth has been outstanding in partnering with the Ngunnawal people to share their language on ABC Canberra, across radio, television and online, and the broader contribution this has made to reconciliation in the community.
As Editor of ABC Canberra, Ms Ainsworth took a leadership position in beginning consultations with Ngunnawal people to better reflect their connection to the region. Ms Ainsworth’s respectful and practical implementation has fundamentally shifted the approach and use of indigenous language in Australia.
Ms Ainsworth’s work helped inform and shape aspects of the ABC’s 2019-22 Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan. Through Ms Ainsworth’s leadership seeing and hearing first nations language on the ABC has become normalised, a step towards reconciliation across Australia.
Ms Ainsworth’s work has facilitated a community conversation about the value of Indigenous Australian culture and language and helped shift discussions about language preservation, restoration and reawakening in Canberra.
Jacqueline Ann CURTIS PSM
Australian Taxation Office
For outstanding public service in driving change and building capability in the Australian Public Service as inaugural Head of the APS Human Resources Profession.
Ms Curtis has made an outstanding contribution as a recognised leader of capability and transformative change across the APS. As Head of the Human Resources Profession, she is building strategic HR capability through initiatives that help identify core, long-term capability needs and standards.
In her role at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Ms Curtis has helped drive cultural transformation and she has contributed to the ATO being recognised as a Gold Tier Employer.
Recently, Ms Curtis enabled the ATO COVID-19 response and was responsible for enabling the massive workforce shift and up skilling required, to deliver an unprecedented COVID-19 economic support package. She led the redeployment of thousands of ATO staff to critical areas and the transition of 14,000 staff to work from home arrangements within 3 weeks.
Ms Curtis also played a pivotal role on the Chief Operating Officers Committee, driving public service reform and managing operational issues across the sector by developing policies and solutions to enable the APS to deliver during the impacts of the pandemic.
Ms Curtis has achieved significant outcomes in the fields of organisational change management, human resources and corporate services in various roles and has made an exceptional contribution across government service delivery, policy, administration and operations.
Lucas DE TOCA PSM
Department of Health
For outstanding public service through leadership in managing the successful COVID-19 vaccine rollout through primary health care.
Dr de Toca has shown exceptional leadership in managing the Australian Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the primary care sector, including the vaccine rollout.
Dr de Toca engaged extensively with the primary care sector and peak bodies, involving every general practice and community pharmacy, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and dedicated Commonwealth vaccination clinics. His leadership enabled rapid decision making in response to major challenges including changes to vaccine recommendations and eligibility, introduction of new payment mechanisms and consent processes, implementation of ordering systems and establishing a complex communications architecture.
Dr de Toca did an outstanding job of liaising with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and with general practices through a massive logistical exercise. He maintained a strong focus on provision of vaccines to the most at risk communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people both in the cities and regional and remote areas. Dr De Toca worked closely with local communities and regional experts to identify service gaps and to deliver targeted vaccines services that are delivered in a culturally safe way.
Darren DICK PSM
Australian Human Rights Commission
For outstanding public service in the development of a significant and influential body of research and policy development.
Mr Dick has led the Australian Human Rights Commission’s policy, research and advocacy functions and has made an outstanding contribution in the development of a significant and influential body of research and policy development across a range of human rights areas, including in the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, children, asylum seekers, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Mr Dick developed the precursor of the Close the Gap reforms which remains the leading program initiative in Indigenous Affairs. His work is attributed to leading to successive major reforms including Close the Gap processes for Indigenous health inequality, Indigenous participation mechanisms and juvenile detention reform.
Mr Dick has also played a critical role in the strategic oversight and management of multiple innovative nationally focused reform projects on federal mechanisms for protecting human rights and preventing discrimination, immigration, human rights implications of technology and child safety.
He has also demonstrated outstanding service through leadership and as the primary resource person informing processes and strategies for the Commission at the United Nations.
Mr Dick’s leadership for more than 20 years in areas of policy reform have been crucial to Australia advancing in the promotion and protection of human rights, especially in the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice.
Teresa Ann DICKINSON PSM
Australian Bureau of Statistics
For outstanding public service in the development of data and statistics, in particular for her instrumental role and sustained level of service in delivering the 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
Ms Dickinson is a long serving public servant whose rare skillset of technical expertise in statistics and methods has helped shape the data landscape in Australia and our region.
Ms Dickinson played a critical role in the successful delivery of the 2021 Census and in building confidence within the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and among government stakeholders following issues with the 2016 Census. Ms Dickinson consolidated the governance for the 2021 Census, including ensuring all 29 recommendations to improve ABS processes and governance were implemented prior to the Census.
She was instrumental in the Census meeting the three key goals of smooth running, well supported and high quality data and exceeded the target response rate of 95 per cent. The challenge of delivering the 2021 Census was made more difficult by having to deliver it through periods of lock down due to COVID-19.
Ms Dickinson’s strategic and visionary leadership ensured the successful delivery of the 2021 Census, arguably the largest peacetime logistics exercise in Australia with collection of data from 25 million people, across 10 million homes and mobilising around 35,000 staff.
Niamh Marie DOBSON PSM
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
For outstanding public service through her work in managing Australia’s relationship with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, particularly in supporting and establishing the global COVAX Facility.
Ms Dobson has excelled in her outstanding relationship management and engagement with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as it established and operationalised the COVAX Facility.
Ms Dobson, as lead adviser to the Vice Chair of the Gavi Board, played an instrumental role supporting Australia’s advocacy efforts in the establishment of the global pandemic response efforts of Gavi.
Ms Dobson’s work saw an increased number of countries in the Indo-Pacific becoming eligible for support from Gavi for the first time. This was a significant development, allowing the COVAX Facility to be able to deliver safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.
Ms Dobson helped cement the role of Australia in the region and on the world stage. Her contribution has delivered a global influence in the international response to the pandemic.
Joanne Leigh EVANS PSM
Department of Industry Science Energy and Resources
For outstanding public service in leading the development and implementation of Australia’s climate policies, including building partnerships across government to provide robust evidence based policy.
Ms Evans has spent a significant proportion of her outstanding public service career leading the development and implementation of Australia’s climate policies, including building partnerships across government to provide robust evidence based policy to address one of the most complex issues facing Australia and the international community. Ms Evans has consistently exceeded what has been required and expected of her in contribution, delivery and outcomes.
Ms Evans has played a key role in the establishment, sustainment and enhancement of the key foundations of Australia’s climate policy and programs. This included development of the Low Emissions Technology Investment Roadmap, Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy and the legislative framework for offshore electricity (wind) generation.
She has also engaged strategically with key international partners to increase practical collaboration on Australia’s priority low emissions technologies. This included invaluable support for the Special Advisor to the Australian Government on Low Emissions Technologies in the establishment of critical low emissions technology partnerships with Germany, Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom and South Korea in the past 12 months.
As a result of Ms Evans’ leadership, intellectual rigor and ability to drive a strategic agenda, she has been able to achieve outcomes for the Australian Government and Australian people on climate change.
Susan Helen FLANAGAN PSM
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
For outstanding public service in leading the largest consular response in Australian history by facilitating the safe return of Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms Flanagan has been instrumental in leading the team that facilitated the safe return of over 20,000 Australians on organised facilitated flights during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms Flanagan drove the implementation of new approaches to assist Australians to return on over 200 facilitated government flights from dozens of departure points, including finding creative travel pathways that enabled the repatriation of thousands of vulnerable Australians from high-risk locations. Ms Flanagan has served with compassion and common sense, providing clarity to Australians in often distressing circumstances.
Ms Flanagan was also integral to the design and implementation of a complex travel bubble’ framework between India and Australia that saw thousands of Australians in India able to return to Australia.
Ms Flanagan is highly respected among her colleagues in government and the private sector. Her calmness, warmth and unwavering commitment drives her colleagues and brings out the best in those around her, building teams that consistently deliver for the department. She personifies the spirit of what it means to serve the public, leading and serving with distinction.
Jodie Leanne GRIEVE PSM
Department of Health
For outstanding public service through leadership in managing the national public health communications response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms Grieve is a long serving public servant who led the national public health communications response to the COVID-19 pandemic across all areas including ensuring communications reached vulnerable populations including multicultural communities, Indigenous Australians, aged care and disability residents and workers.
Ms Grieve provided evidence based, timely information to the Australian public to minimise the risk of the virus to individuals, families, businesses and communities as a key element of the Government’s response. Providing easy access to up to date, consistent and accurate information about the pandemic and the vaccination program was a key element of the Australian Government’s COVID-19 response.
As understanding of the pandemic evolved, through variant outbreaks and as the nation transitioned into the vaccination rollout, Ms Grieve championed program flexibility to shift resources to meet changing communication needs on a real time basis. The community response to the Government’s interventions, including world-leading uptake of vaccination, is due to authoritative, timely and comprehensive information and advice developed and disseminated through Ms Grieve’s leadership.
Ms Grieve’s commitment, guidance and dedication in effectively communicating the government’s health messages, particularly to vulnerable parts of the community, have been fundamental in encouraging people to protect themselves and the nation.
June Kaye HOMAN, SA
Services Australia
For outstanding public service in leading complex ICT system services for the Australian Government.
Ms Homan has made a sustained contribution through the delivery of meaningful benefits to the Australian public, most notably by improving systems delivering services for citizens receiving welfare.
Ms Homan’s leadership and project delivery skills have supported Australia’s economic, health and social wellbeing through delivery of key initiatives for government. These include delivering ICT systems enabling citizens to manage their financial circumstances more effectively through difficult periods. Ms Homan provided leadership across teams responding to the government request to pause welfare debt raising and recovery actions as the impacts of COVID-19 were being realised.
At the same time she successfully led teams to deliver payments of more than $722 million to 368,000 citizens while managing the changes COVID-19 was making to the community and the workplace. She has worked tirelessly delivering additional ICT capabilities to facilitate the controlled resumption of welfare debt management services for government.
Ms Homan is highly regarded and a valued member of the Services Australia team with her project delivery and leadership skills generating exceptional outcomes for both the Australian government and Australian citizens.
Penelope IRELAND PSM
Department of Education, Skills and Employment
For outstanding public service in the design and successful implementation of three COVID-19 response initiatives – the Jobs Hub, Workforce Contact Centre and Employer Response Unit.
Ms Ireland has been instrumental in her role in the design and successful implementation of three COVID-19 response initiatives – the Jobs Hub, Workforce Contact Centre and Employer Response Unit. These initiatives helped hundreds of thousands of people Australia-wide, from individual job seekers, many unemployed for the first time, to employers needing assistance with finding people with the right skills at the height of the pandemic.
The combination of Ms Ireland’s experience, leadership, initiative and personal commitment allowed the department to respond immediately to address critical workforce needs and support both employers and job seekers at a very difficult time in their lives.
Her service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic was essential to provide workforce solutions during the crisis. She has shown commitment and initiative in engaging with clients and developing innovative solutions to meet the government’s objectives.
Ms Ireland’s significant record of highly effective, innovative workforce solutions made a significant contribution to meeting COVID-19 employment challenges and will continue to do so during recovery.
Elisabeth Alexandra KERR PSM
Therapeutic Goods Administration
For outstanding public service to the health and wellbeing of Australians, primarily for work as the scientific force behind the regulation of breast implants globally.
Dr Kerr is recognised for her commitment to the highest standards of service, her leadership in the field of regulatory science and her drive to achieving global innovation in the field of medical device regulation.
Dr Kerr led the team that was instrumental in analysing the link between breast implants and breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma – a rare but lethal type of cancer. Through this increased understanding of the cause of this disease, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) led the world-wide regulatory action and was the first regulator globally to move against the devices. Dr Kerr now leads the global initiative to improve the standards by which these breast implants are classified.
In response to COVID-19, Dr Kerr led the work on the quality evaluation and the batch testing of vaccines, quality assurance of rapid antigen testing, as well as leading the TGA in being the first regulator in the world to undertake the evaluation of more than 1200 models of face masks and respirators.
Dr Kerr’s work on the regulation of breast implants will deliver a more stringent international standard to be applied in the manufacture of these devices and greater safety for women. Her work also improved the standards and expectations for face mask and respirator performance, delivering greater protection for global users of surgical face masks and respirators. Her work has put Australian initiative and know-how at the forefront of medical device regulation and international safety standards.
Rebekah Ruth KILPATRICK PSM
National Office for Child Safety
For outstanding public service in leading the development and launch of the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030 and its associated First Commonwealth Action Plan and First National Action Plan.
For outstanding public service in leading the development and launch of the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030 and its associated First Commonwealth Action Plan and First National Action Plan.
Ms Kilpatrick has displayed extraordinary leadership in the development and launch of the landmark National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030 and its associated First Commonwealth Action Plan and First National Action Plan. At her direction the national policy framework was extended beyond the scope of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, to provide a national-level response to child abuse in all settings.
The National Strategy will continue to prevent crimes against vulnerable people, with Ms Kilpatricks’ pioneering reforms protecting individuals from abuse and exploitation, whilst providing avenues for already affected individuals. Ms Kilpatrick demonstrated strategic thinking and intellectual rigour, as well as an outstanding commitment to co-design and collaborative policy development. She engaged meaningfully and built trust with hundreds of diverse stakeholders, led skilled negotiations with state and territory counterparts in justice, community services and health portfolios, and successfully led a cross-Commonwealth package for Budget 2021, securing funding for the initial phase of the National Strategy.
Ms Kilpatrick is highly regarded and led the development and delivery of the National Strategy with world leading measures, in its entirety. Her work has prevented and will continue to prevent crimes against vulnerable people; the reforms she has pioneered have protected individuals from abuse and exploitation and have delivered avenues for already affected individuals to heal from the harms committed against them.
Alison Dell LARKINS PSM
Department of Home Affairs
For outstanding public service in policy innovation and leadership to enhance settlement outcomes for refugees and migrants.
As the inaugural Commonwealth Coordinator-General for Migrant Services, Ms Larkins has driven lasting and transformative changes to the design, delivery and coordination of services to refugees and migrants. These changes will fundamentally improve the ability of refugees and migrants to settle well and participate fully in life in Australia.
Ms Larkins has brought a depth of policy thinking and innovation to settlement and integration policy that will confirm Australia’s world-leading reputation for years to come.
Ms Larkins spearheaded the most significant reforms and improvements to the Adult Migrant English Program in its 70 year history, allowing more migrants and refugees to access government tuition for longer, and to reach a higher level of proficiency. This has led to 24,000 people either enrolling in the program for the first time, or re-engaging with it.
Ms Larkins also led a review of the Community Sponsorship Program and supported Government in its establishment of a ground-breaking new pilot program – the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot – that will provide a way for Australians to directly support refugees to settle in Australia.
Ms Larkins recently led cross-portfolio efforts to provide rapid support to evacuees who had fled Afghanistan at short notice, and arrived in Australia during Covid-pandemic lockdowns in some jurisdictions. This work included the development of new and innovative approaches to supporting the specific settlement needs of this cohort.
Ms Larkins’ more than 30 year career in policy development and oversight has been exceptional, with an ability to drive reform and use her creativity to solve previously intractable issues.
Helen Zeta McCORMACK PSM
Department of Home Affairs
For outstanding public service to Australia’s agriculture sector, particularly in addressing critical workforce shortages following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms McCormack’s dedication and commitment to policy excellence have reformed and improved the management, operations and governance of the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP). Ms McCormack’s leadership has seen the SWP become a key element of the government’s Pacific Step-up, with visa grants increasing by over 40 per cent per annum up until the COVID-19 interruption.
Ms McCormack’s most significant impact has been in working across federal and state governments to address significant SWP challenges resulting from the impacts of COVID-19, particularly for the 7,000 stranded temporary visa holders when Australia’s borders closed, and the additional need to address horticulture labour shortages. She implemented new systems, processes and governance structures that included greater welfare support for workers.
Ms McCormack was key to the restart of Pacific Labour Mobility during the border closures, piloting a labour program and its subsequent expansion, bringing much needed support to agricultural businesses. This employment also ensured material economic and social benefits flowed to the Pacific region during the pandemic.
Under Ms McCormack’s leadership, the department has helped to facilitate around 13,000 worker redeployments, all needing to navigate varying State and Territory health and quarantine arrangements.
Garrett McDONALD PSM
Services Australia
For outstanding public service in performing a leadership role during the bushfires and COVID-19 crises, being instrumental in quickly developing new capability to allow Services Australia to respond to unprecedented levels of demand.
Mr McDonald has played a crucial role during the bushfires and COVID-19 crises, where he was instrumental in quickly developing new capability to allow Services Australia to respond to unprecedented levels of demand. He is an ICT technical leader who has been the chief architect and driver of myGov and played critical roles in large-scale digital transformations.
During the bushfire crisis and COVID-19, Mr McDonald repeatedly designed and rapidly deployed significant changes to core customer facing systems such as myGov, Centrelink online systems and mobile applications as well as developing new systems such as connectedID and service connect. These changes allowed significant numbers of new customers to claim government support quickly.
Mr McDonald introduced the Register Intention to Claim’ feature in myGov – which was built, tested and deployed in 36 hours. He worked with policy and program partners to develop a simpler JobSeeker claim and expanded eligibility criteria to enable payments to reach customers more quickly. Mr McDonald’s technical leadership was critical in Services Australia being able to respond to unprecedented demand during the bushfire crisis and the pandemic.
Mr McDonald’s inspirational leadership and determination to make a difference and support the Australian public enabled more than 1 million people affected by the pandemic to complete a simplified claim online, processed end-to-end without visiting a Service Centre.
Lisa Michelle PETERSON PSM
Department of Health
For outstanding public service leading the national aged care COVID-19 vaccination rollout for senior Australians and workers in residential aged care in 2021.
Ms Peterson successfully led the Australian Government’s national aged care COVID-19 vaccination rollout for senior Australians and workers in residential aged care in 2021, leading to reduced infection rates and saving hundreds of lives. The residential aged care COVID-19 vaccine roll-out was the first of the Commonwealth’s vaccine delivery programs, targeting the most vulnerable cohort of Australians. It was subject to extraordinary levels of scrutiny and is recognised as leading the nation in vaccination.
Ms Peterson was appointed in February 2021 and by 7 July 2021, 90 per cent of residents had been vaccinated.
Ms Peterson quickly developed plans for the logistics, data collection and engagement required to deliver the vaccination program to all residential aged care facilities across Australia. She established clinical governance guidelines and procedures, consent guidelines and processes, scheduling and delivery of clinics, and a national communications campaign.
Ms Peterson showed incredible flexibility in being able to pivot the vaccination program to respond to emerging outbreaks and policy changes.
Danielle Joy REGELING PSM
Services Australia
For outstanding public service to Service Australia’s support for Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating between Services Australia and primary partners including the Department of Health and national Health Providers.
Ms Regeling’s outstanding contribution to Service Australia’s support for Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating between Services Australia and primary partners including the Department of Health and national Health Providers. She was critical to the success of the Services Australia response by maintaining and strengthening processes and support for the Australian Immunisation Register and broader Health Provider systems.
Ms Regeling led over 3,500 staff across Australia in the delivery of government health programmes, payments, incentives and other services to the public and health professionals while managing a significant increase in customer demand. As an example, the agency implemented 250 new Medicare Benefits Schedule items in a six week period (a change usually seen over 2 years).
Ms Regeling brings a transformative mindset and leadership approach which draws out innovative ideas for business model stances. This has been well illustrated in her management of agency experts to support lining service delivery partners, myGov and Medicare to enable Australians to access the Immunisation Certificates.
Ms Regeling’s agility, and her ability to embed agility in the workforce has well positioned Services Australia, given assurance and visibility to senior leaders across government, and provided confidence in the systems and processes supporting the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout.
Michael Roy RYAN PSM
Department of Health
For outstanding public service in leading the legislative requirements that facilitated the rapid expansion of telehealth services recognised by Medicare in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Ryan has shown exceptional leadership in steering the legislative requirements that facilitated the rapid expansion of telehealth services recognised by Medicare in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to COVID-19, the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) only supported telehealth services in very limited circumstances, predominantly for rural and remote residents. Mr Ryan’s knowledge, expertise and dedication enabled the huge amount of legislation and regulation required to support telehealth services for all Australians to be completed in a very short time frame. Mr Ryan enabled 283 Medicare items to be introduced in just over two months – the equivalent of 10 years of legislative reform in 10 weeks.
Mr Ryan worked closely with the medical profession, Australian Government Solicitor and Services Australia to implement the changes. As medical understanding of the pandemic evolved, Mr Ryan continued to work with stakeholders to revise available MBS items to adjust the support that patients and practices need. Mr Ryan’s knowledge and expertise was key in successfully delivering a mammoth task, made more difficult by extraordinarily short time frames and constantly changing policy settings.
Daniel Thomas SLOPER PSM
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
For outstanding public service in leading the Government’s Crisis Response Team on the ground in Kabul, Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates.
Mr Sloper is recognised for his significant contribution to Australia’s foreign policy over 25 years, and in particular for his outstanding and compassionate service in leading the Government’s response on the ground in Kabul, Afghanistan, and the Australian base in the United Arab Emirates, following the Taliban’s return to power.
Mr Sloper demonstrated bravery, calm leadership, fine judgement and authoritative communication skills in leading a team of Australian Defence Force members and Australian Government officials working under high stress and in difficult conditions. He managed a complex coordination effort with coalition partners to complete one of the biggest humanitarian airlifts in Australia’s history.
Mr Sloper continuously performed to the highest standard under intense pressure, acute international scrutiny, and unrelenting urgency in dangerous and uncertain security conditions. His innovation and judgement directly contributed to a substantial increase in the number of evacuees boarding flights, and the increased frequency of flights.
Simon Joseph WRITER PSM
The Treasury
For outstanding public service in delivering an extensive legislative program, including comprehensive legislation packages in response to the Financial Services Royal Commission and the Government’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Writer has shown exceptional leadership and excellent service in delivering an extensive legislative program, including comprehensive legislation packages in response to the Financial Services Royal Commission and the Government’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Writer led the delivery of urgent legislation to implement the Government’s response to the pandemic, requiring the development of innovative legislative frameworks for which there were no precedents. Mr Writer devised new solutions, implementing a number of complex, interconnected measures that addressed all facets of the economic crisis.
Mr Writer was instrumental in delivering the Government’s response, including two significant pandemic economic response packages within a month. In addition he led implementation of the Government’s legislative response to the Financial Services Royal Commission report, and oversaw the delivery of over 80 Government Bills in than three years.
Mr Writer’s outstanding leadership and excellent service in the management of Treasury’s legislative program has been instrumental in supporting Australians through periods of crisis and setting up Treasury for success in delivering increasingly complex and innovative legislative reforms in the future.
