Katische Vinning has been appointed as Deputy Commissioner Strategy & Architecture at the ATO. Pablo Kang has been named as Australia’s Special Envoy to the 2024 methanol poisoning deaths of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones in Laos. Photos: LinkedIn & DFAT.
A breakdown of the latest appointments and moves in the Australian Public Service, the wider public sector and across the public services of the states and territories.
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Katische Vinning has been appointed as Deputy Commissioner Strategy & Architecture at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Other federal appointments
Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong has announced the appointment of Pablo Kang as Australia’s Special Envoy to the 2024 methanol poisoning deaths of Australian citizens Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones in Laos.
The government says it has been clear to Laos authorities about the need for transparency and accountability, and has conveyed its expectations that charges should reflect the seriousness of the deaths of the two Australians as well as four other foreign nationals.
Mr Kang currently heads the Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and has previously served as Ambassador to Cambodia, Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, and High Commissioner to Vanuatu.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced the appointment of Professor Bruce Preston as a part‑time member of the Reserve Bank of Australia Monetary Policy Board to replace outgoing member Alison Watkins.
Mr Chalmers described Professor Preston as one of Australia’s most highly respected and experienced macroeconomists, and said he would do an excellent job on the Monetary Policy Board.
States and territories
Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has announced he will retire from the role, effective 21 February, after a 46-year career.
The Queensland Government has announced Brett Pointing will take over as interim Police Commissioner for an initial period of 12 months from 21 February.
The Queensland Government has appointed corporate affairs leader Shane Goodwin to the South Bank Corporation Board until 31 December.
The chair of the Freight and Logistics Council of Western Australia (FLCWA) Board Megan McCracken has announced she will step down in May.
Tasmanian Minister for Housing and Planning Kerry Vincent has announced that Ben Wilson has been appointed as the transitional CEO of Homes Tasmania until the end of 2026.
Mr Wilson currently serves as chair of the board of Homes Tasmania, and will step down from that role to take on the CEO position. He will be replaced as chair by the current director of Home Tasmania, Sarah Courtney.
Stephen Parry has been appointed the new chair of the Tasmanian Heritage Council. The council provides expert oversight, assesses development proposals, and guides the conservation of places listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.
Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Bridget Archer has announced the appointment of a panel of experts to assess and identify any areas for improvement for the state’s voluntary assisted dying legislation.
The panel will consist of Professor Emerita Kate Warner, Professor Ben White and Professor Michael Ashby.
