(From left) Clare Besemeres has been appointed as a Senior Executive Lawyer — Dispute Resolution at the Australian Government Solicitor. Ram Pandey has been appointed as Assistant Commissioner, Litigation and Legal Services at the ATO. Philippa Henty has been appointed as Assistant Secretary in the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Photos: AGS & LinkedIn.
A breakdown of the latest appointments and moves in the Australian Public Service, the public services of the states and territories, and the wider public sector.
APS Senior Executive Service
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Clare Besemeres has been appointed as a Senior Executive Lawyer — Dispute Resolution at the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS).
Philippa Henty has been appointed as Assistant Secretary in the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Jonathon Emmett and Joshua Klose have been promoted as Senior Executive Lawyers in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Ram Pandey has been appointed as Assistant Commissioner, Litigation and Legal Services at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Other federal appointments
Former Tasmanian premier and chair of the Migrant Resource Centre in Tasmania, Peter Gutwein, has been appointed by the Federal Government to chair the Australian Multicultural Council, effective from 20 July.
The head of the Australian Submarine Agency, Vice-Admiral Jonathan Mead, has had his position extended for an unspecified period. VADM Mead had announced in November 2025 that he planned to retire in mid-2026, but has agreed to stay on until his replacement is found.
The Federal Government has announced new and renewed appointments to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Advisory Board for three-year terms from 2 August. The reappointments are Sarah Davies as chair, Sara Harrup as deputy chair, Ian Hamm as a member and Nick Maisey as a part-time board member. New members are Alice Macdougall, Professor Ian Murray, Krystian Seibert and Dr Rosy Walia.
Former Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein (left) has been appointed chair of the Australian Multicultural Council. Head of the Australian Submarine Agency, Vice-Admiral Jonathan Mead, has delayed his retirement until his replacement is found. Photos: Peter Gutwein Facebook & ADF.
States and territories
David McCallum has been appointed as a judge of the District Court of Western Australia, filling a vacancy left by the resignation of District Court Judge Michael Bowden, effective 3 August.
