A breakdown of the latest appointments and open consultations in the Australian Public Service and across the public services of the states and territories.
APS Senior Executive Service
Band 1
Phillip Boxall is now a branch head in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
The Department of Home Affairs has appointed Britt Ryan as an assistant secretary for technology security policy.
Daniel Slater is a general counsel at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in the Attorney-General’s Department.
The National Indigenous Australians Agency has promoted Juliette Hubbard to regional/branch manager.
Amara Torres Santelices is an assistant secretary within the governance branch of the Treasury Department.
Band 2
The Australian Public Service Commission has made Kathryn Wandmaker a deputy chief executive officer.
Belinda Campbell is a first assistant secretary at the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has appointed Katrina Jocumsen as chief people officer, Yvette Simms a first assistant secretary in the technology and finance division, and Luke Brown a first assistant secretary in the policy division.
The Big Moves
Federal
New non-executive director appointed to NBN Co board
Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowlands has appointed Kevin Russell as a non-executive director to the NBN Co Limited (NBN Co) board for a three-year term.
He has replaced Andrew Dix in the board role that oversees NBN Co’s work connecting Australians to high-quality broadband.
During his time in the role, Mr Dix oversaw the upgrade of a further two million premises through the fixed-line network upgrade program, along with the revision of the Special Access Undertaking that was accepted by the ACCC as being in the long-term interests of consumers.
Kevin Russell brings more than 20 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry, with previous roles including group executive of retail for Telstra, chief country officer of Optus and managing director of Vocus Group. Photo: NBN Co.
Australian Ambassador and Consul-General appointments to Iran, Spain, Chengdu and more
Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong has announced the latest round of diplomatic appointments to lead Australian posts in Chengdu, Guangzhou, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Spain, the Kingdom of Tonga, Phuket (Thailand) and the Republic of Chile.
Meaghan Shaw will replace Adelle Neary as Consul-General in Chengdu, which covers China’s south-western provinces.
Australia’s next Consul-General in Phuket is Kirsten Fletcher, who will replace Matt Barclay in the capital of Thailand’s Phuket Province.
Former Consul-General Anthony Aspden will be replaced by Dr Timothy Kendall in his posting to the Chinese city of Guangzhou, which represents Australia’s interests in Guangdong, Fujian, Hunan, Guangxi and Hainan.
Ian McConville will replace Lyndall Sachs PSM as the Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Outgoing Ambassador Sophia McIntyre will be replaced by Rosemary Morris-Castico in her posting in the Kingdom of Spain. The role is also accredited to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and the Principality of Andorra.
Andrew Martin is replacing Todd Mercer as Australia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Chile, who is also accredited to the Republic of Ecuador.
Brek Batley is Australia’s next High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga, replacing Rachael Moore.
Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong’s new appointment to Tonga comes after the Kingdom’s Prime Minister said he was open to China’s offer of security support when it hosts the Pacific Islands Forum in August. Photo: Facebook/Penny Wong – Senator for SA.
National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) announces new managing director
John King has been made the new managing director of the NCVER – the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector.
He is replacing Simon Walker in the role from July. Mr Walker has been leading the company, which has witnessed significant changes to the VET sector brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, since 2018.
John King was most recently the chief data officer at Seer Data and Analytics, but before that gained extensive experience in the VET sector through his senior roles in the South Australian and Victorian governments. Photo: LinkedIn/John King.
States and Territories
Sally Dale appointed as NSW’s first female Valuer General
The Lieutenant-Governor of NSW Andrew Bell has appointed Sally Dale as the state’s permanent Valuer General for a four-year term.
Ms Dale entered the role on an acting basis one year ago and is the state’s first woman to hold the position.
The Valuer General oversees NSW’s land valuation system, which is used by local councils in setting rates and by the NSW Government to assess land tax. In the position, Ms Dale will also oversee independent valuations to ensure landowners are fairly compensated if their land is compulsorily acquired by government agencies for infrastructure projects.
Over 30 years, Sally Dale has been a property valuer, private business owner and executive, as well as an acting executive director of the NSW land valuation agency before her current appointment. Photo: NSW Government.
Peak industry body for Commercial Fishing established in NSW
The NSW Commercial Fishing Industry Association (CFIA) has been established as the industry’s peak body with John Wilson as its inaugural chair.
Originally from the Southern Tablelands, Mr Wilson will lead the newly formed CFIA in its work representing the NSW commercial fishing industry to government, key stakeholders and the wider community.
The CIFA has been developed through an industry-facilitated process involving stakeholder-wide consultation to establish an allied peak industry body to provide advocacy to government. Currently, the NSW government is also pushing to create a peak body to represent the state’s recreational fishing sector.
Mr Wilson brings a variety of experience to the role, which includes being company secretary of the Seafood Co-operative Centre Company, director at the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, and chief financial officer at the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty announced the NSW Commercial Fishing Industry Association (CFIA) establishment at the Sydney Fish Market Seafood Excellence Awards. Photo: Facebook/Tara Moriarty MLC.
NSW Government announces new chairs and members of Local Land Services board
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty has announced 24 appointments to the Local Land Services (LLS) regional boards.
The board members will work closely with landholders and local communities to identify and help shape the services offered by LLS, such as providing best-practice advice on pest animal management, agricultural production and natural resource management.
These appointments come as the government released its review of the LLS boards and committees, which has actioned several reforms strengthening the agency’s governance.
LLS board members appointed by the Minister are:
- Donna Rygate – Central Tablelands local board chair
- Rachel Nicoll – Central Tablelands local board member
- Hunter White – Central Tablelands local board member
- Paul (Midnight) Brydon – Central West local board chair
- Lisa Schiff – Central West local board member
- Polly Bennett – Greater Sydney local board chair
- James Kellaway – Greater Sydney local board member
- Allison Mudford – Hunter local board chair
- Dr Elizabeth McEntyre – Hunter local board member
- Brynnie Goodwill – Hunter local board member
- Derek Schoen – Murray local board chair
- Jolyon Bennett – North Coast local board chair
- Danielle Mulholland – North Coast local board member
- Dr Alex Ball – Northern Tablelands local board chair
- Martha Saw – Northern Tablelands local board member
- Stephanie Cameron – North West local board chair
- Tim White – North West local board member
- Lisa Anderson – Riverina local board chair
- Sarah Roche – Riverina local board member
- Michael Friend – Riverina local board member
- Ian Johnsson – South East local board member
- Magnus Aitken – Western local board chair
- Hugh McLean – Western local board member
- Lawrence Clarke – Western local board member.
Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty with recently appointed LLS regional board members. Photo: Facebook/Tara Moriarty MLC.
Steve Gollschewski appointed as Queensland’s new police chief
Queensland Premier Steven Miles announced the appointment of Steve Gollschewski as the 21st Police Commissioner, who took on the role for an interim period after Katarina Carroll stepped down in March.
While she was seen by some as a scapegoat for criticism of the QPS’s handling of youth crime and disorder within the ranks, Ms Carroll denied the allegations and said it was time for new leadership.
As Deputy Commissioner, Mr Gollschewski was well known around the Sunshine State for leading the police response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new police chief – Steve Gollschewski – was Queensland’s most experienced deputy commissioner, with more than 10 years in the senior position and over 44 years in the force. Photo: Facebook/Steven Miles.
Queensland appoints members of Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and First Nations Treaty Institute Council
Queensland Minister for Treaty Leeanne Enoch has announced the members of its Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and First Nations Treaty Institute Council.
Experienced barrister Joshua Creamer will chair the independent inquiry providing a public platform to listen and record stories, educate and build understanding about First Nations history and culture, and make recommendations for the next steps.
The institute is a statutory body operating independently from the Queensland Government through the Path to Treaty Act 2023. Functions of the institute include allowing it to co-develop a treaty-making framework with the State Government, and supporting First Nations people to record the impacts and effects of colonisation on their communities to inform their participation in future treaty negotiations.
Members of the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry:
- Joshua Creamer (chair)
- The Honourable Roslyn Atkinson AO
- Cheryl Buchanan
- Ivan Ingram
- Vonda Malone.
Members of the First Nations Treaty Institute Council:
- Albert Bowie
- Seleena Blackley
- Professor Valerie Cooms
- Michelle Deshong
- Dr Janine Gertz
- Dr Tracey Harbour
- Associate Professor Phillip Mills OAM
- Professor Cindy Shannon AM
- David Saylor
- Ivy Trevallion.
Leeanne Enoch with some of the newly appointed members of the inquiry and institute council. Photo: Facebook/Leeanne Enoch MP.
New appointments to Racing Queensland Board
Queensland Racing Minister Grace Grace has welcomed the new Racing Queensland Board, which includes six reappointments and one new addition.
Independent Chair Steve Wilson AM has been reappointed for a one-year term, while Jane Seawright has been appointed as deputy chair for a three-year term.
Rebecca Frizelle OAM is joining the board, bringing a wealth of experience in business and sport to help grow the racing industry and deliver critical infrastructure projects. She is replacing Sharon Dawson, a non-industry board member who did not wish to be reappointed.
Other appointments include:
- Greyhound Racing Industry member – Dale Cartwright (one-year term)
- Thoroughbred Racing Industry member – Graham Quirk (three-year term)
- Non-Industry member – Christopher Edwards (three-year term)
- Harness Racing Industry member – Jodie Jones (three-year term).
(From left) Graham Quirk, outgoing deputy chair Sharon Dawson, Dale Cartwright, Jane Seawright, Jodie Jones and chair Steve Wilson AM. Photo: Racing Queensland.
Associate Justice sworn in to Supreme Court of Tasmania
Associate Justice Michael Daly has been sworn in to the Supreme Court of Tasmania following a ceremonial sitting in Hobart.
He replaces Stephen Holt, who resigned from the position in September 2023 after 24 years.
Associate Justice Daly will be the first Associate Judge of the Supreme Court to exercise both criminal and civil jurisdiction. He will assist Tasmania’s Supreme Court to work through its backlog, which as of 30 June, 2023, stood at a record 743 cases.
Tasmania’s Governor Barbara Baker presides at the swearing-in of Michael Daly as Associate Judge of the state’s Supreme Court. Photo: The Governor of Tasmania.
Open for consultation
Future national water agreement
A new intergovernmental agreement on water has been proposed to build on the management principles established in the National Water Initiative (NWI), created in 2004. Submissions close on 3 May.
Proposed offshore wind area: Indian Ocean off Bunbury, WA
The Federal Government is seeking feedback on a proposed offshore wind area in the Indian Ocean off Bunbury, Western Australia. Consultation closes on 3 May.
Otway Offshore Gas Victoria Project proposal
Australia’s offshore energy regulator has opened up comment on Beach Energy’s project to be located around 20 km south of the Victorian mainland, with an operational life of up to 30 years. Submissions remain open until 20 May.
Inquiry into civics, education, engagement and participation in Australia
The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is seeking written submissions from people with direct experience of civics and citizenship education, and challenges associated with electoral participation. Submissions remain open until 24 May.
Inquiry into economic self-determination and opportunities for First Nations Australians
The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs is calling for submissions to learn about opportunities and impediments to training, employment and business development, and the economic and social infrastructure to support economic prosperity for First Nations people in the long term. Written entries are welcome until 24 May.
Draft National Autism Strategy
The draft National Autism Strategy, not yet agreed to by the government, is seeking feedback to improve life outcomes for Australians living with autism. Submissions close on 31 May.
Non-compete clauses and other worker restraints
Non-compete clauses in employment contracts are now squarely in Labor’s sights, with the Federal Government insisting that such business methods are thwarting competition and holding back economic growth. Responses can be made until 31 May.
Updates to ASIC’s regulatory guidance for external administrators and controllers
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) has released proposed updates that provide greater clarity on its expectations of external administrators and controllers when reporting and lodging statutory reports about alleged misconduct. Feedback on the consultation paper is open until 6 June.
Rapid uptake of automated decision-making and machine learning in the workplace
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training has begun a new inquiry calling on workers, employers, software developers and providers, academics, employer groups and trade unions regarding the digital transformation of workplaces across Australia. Submissions are welcome until 21 June.
For information on all the state and territory government projects open for consultation, follow the links below:
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- Victoria
- South Australia
- Western Australia
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Australian Capital Territory
Federal Parliament Public Hearings
Wednesday (1 May):
Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 [Provisions] – Community Affairs Legislation Committee
Time: TBA; Chamber: Senate; Location: Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra, ACT.
Thursday (2 May):
Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 [Provisions] – Community Affairs Legislation Committee
Time: TBA; Chamber: Senate; Location: Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra, ACT.
Friday (3 May):
Department of Defence – Canberra Defence Precinct Tranche 1 Australian Defence Force Academy Living-in Accommodation project – Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm; Chamber: Joint; Location: Parliament House Canberra, Committee Room 2R1, Canberra, ACT.
Department of Finance – Proposed Fit-out of New Commonwealth Parliament Offices, Perth, Western Australia – Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works
Time: 2 – 3 pm; Chamber: Joint; Location: Parliament House, Committee Room 2R1, Canberra, ACT.
Monday (6 May):
Supporting the development of sovereign capability in the Australian tech sector – Finance and Public Administration References Committee
Time: TBA; Chamber: Senate; Location: Senate Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra, ACT.
Wednesday (8 May):
Ethics and Professional Accountability: Structural Challenges in the Audit, Assurance and Consultancy Industry – Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services
Time: TBA; Chamber: Joint; Location: Sydney, NSW.
