26 September 2023

Queen honours PS on her birthday

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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has marked her 2020 Birthday by bestowing official honours on a range of dedicated and committed public service professionals serving the Australian community over and above the requirements of their positions in the public sector.

Her Majesty’s awards, presented under the Order of Australia, were released in Canberra by the Governor-General, General David Hurley earlier this week.

The Western Australian Public Service employees honoured by the Queen this year, including those receiving the Public Service Medal (PSM), were:

OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AO)

Bryant Allan STOKES AO

WA Department of Health

For distinguished service to public health care governance and standards in Western Australia through leadership and advisory roles.

Professor Stokes has been Special Ministerial Advisor to the Review of the clinical governance of public mental health services in Western Australia since 2018.

MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM)

John Craig BYRNE AM

Equal Opportunity Commission

For significant service to people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and to social justice.

Dr Byrne has been Commissioner for Equal Opportunity in Western Australia, since 2019.

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)

Michael Anthony BARNES PSM

Treasury

For outstanding public service to state government finances in Western Australia.

Mr Barnes has demonstrated outstanding service in his role as Under Treasurer by assisting the Western Australian Government to repair the State’s finances. This was in the context of the largest ever contraction in the State’s domestic economy, and in the face of volatile revenue growth.

He is committed to transparency and accountability in the management of public sector finances.

His leadership in identifying and assisting the Government in implementing targeted initiatives to reign in unsustainable rates of expenditure growth, and his oversight of the largest commercial transaction since the early 2000s, have stopped the rise in the State’s debt and contributed to upgrades in the State’s credit rating.

He also oversaw the provision of key strategic advice that was crucial in the Commonwealth’s decision to initiate Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms that ensure a floor in the State’s GST relativity from 70% in 2019-20 to 75% from 2024-25, a singularly unique reform for the Western Australian community.

Mr Barnes’ commitment and sustained effort in applying his skills, abilities and passion to serve the public over almost three decades has contributed to significant benefits for the Western Australian community.

Heather Gaye BRAYFORD PSM

Primary Industries and Regional Development

For outstanding public service to legislative reform and policy development in Western Australia.

Ms Brayford has demonstrated exemplary public service leadership to legislative reform and policy initiatives to ensure the sustainability of fisheries and aquatic resources in Western Australia.

Since her initial employment with the then-Western Australian Department of Fisheries in 1986, she has played a pivotal role in the State’s management of its fisheries and aquatic resources to maintain stocks, protect habitats and enable the sharing of resources among commercial, recreational and customary fishers. This has been achieved while maintaining an effective balance between economic, environmental and social benefits.

Her continued success across a public service career of more than 30 years is attributable, in part, to her ability to develop collaborative partnerships and maintain effective relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders from industry, government, tertiary and research institutions.

Ms Brayford is known for her dedication to her role and responsibilities, and her desire to navigate difficult paths to find solutions that deliver the best possible outcomes for the community of Western Australia.

John Frederick FISCHER PSM

Education

For outstanding public service to the community of Western Australia through a range of roles.

Mr Fischer has demonstrated committed and dedicated service to Western Australia over a long and distinguished career in the Departments of Education, Transport, Planning and Infrastructure, and Main Roads Western Australia.

During his service he has overseen the successful delivery of many public infrastructure projects which have benefited the State’s community and its economy. He has shaped how schools and education facilities are delivered to ensure the best learning environments and experience for students, staff and school communities.

In his role at Main Roads Western Australia he was project director for the Graham Farmer Freeway project, which is described as the biggest single road project ever tackled in the State at that time. It was delivered on budget and two months ahead of schedule.

Mr Fischer’s achievements reflect his commitment to public service and to providing the best facilities for future generations across Western Australia.

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