A breakdown of the latest appointments, public hearings and open consultations in the Australian Public Service and across the public services of the states and territories.
APS Senior Executive Service
Band 1
The Department of Health and Aged Care has promoted Kristopher Arnold to a position that is yet to be confirmed.
Anne Anastasi is the new general counsel at the Australian Digital Health Agency.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has made Christopher Worley executive manager of its spectrum planning and engineering branch.
Defence now has Juliet Spratt in a senior role within the Defence Digital Group.
Working in the financial sector, taxation and workplace relations branch of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is Shibani Iyer, an assistant secretary.
The Australian Government Solicitor has four new senior general counsels: Liam Boyle, Alexandra Schaefer, Brendan Watts and Dylan Bushnell.
Band 2
The Director of Public Prosecutions has appointed Roberta Devereaux and Eliza Amparo as deputy directors.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has made Nicole Ross (infrastructure) and Clare O’Reilly (specialist advice and services) executive general managers.
Other federal
Burney and O’Connor retirement plans trigger PM’s first Cabinet reshuffle
With the retirement announcements of Cabinet ministers Linda Burney and Brendan O’Connor, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been forced to reshuffle his front bench for the first time since winning office.
The changes are as follows:
- Minister for Home Affairs; Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs; Minister for Cyber Security; Minister for the Arts; Leader of the House – Tony Burke
- Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Minister for Small Business – Julie Collins
- Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations – Senator Murray Watt
- Minister for Housing; Minister for Homelessness – Clare O’Neil
- Minister for Indigenous Australians – Senator Malarndirri McCarthy
- Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery; Minister for International Development and the Pacific – Pat Conroy
- Minister for Skills and Training – Andrew Giles
- Minister for Cities; Minister for Emergency Management – Senator Jenny McAllister
- Assistant Minister for Immigration – Matt Thistlethwaite
- Assistant to the Prime Minister; Assistant Minister for the Public Service; Attorney-General – Patrick Gorman
- Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care; Indigenous Health – Ged Kearney
- Assistant Minister for Social Security; Ageing; Women – Kate Thwaites
- Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy – Josh Wilson
- Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs – Julian Hill
- Assistant Minister for Education; Regional Development; Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Senator Anthony Chisholm
- Assistant Minister for a Future Made in Australia; Trade – Senator Tim Ayres
- Special Envoy for Social Cohesion – Peter Khalil
- Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and Northern Australia – Luke Gosling
- Special Envoy for Cyber Security and Digital Resilience – Andrew Charlton
Tony Burke is set to become Parliament’s busiest politician, with five ministries under his portfolio. Photo: Facebook.
Dr Philip Williams appointed as ACCC Commissioner
ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb has confirmed the appointment of Dr Philip Williams AM as Commissioner, who was initially proposed by Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers in April.
A distinguished scholar and a former professor of law and economics at the University of Melbourne, Dr Williams is also a former executive chair of Frontier Economics and has previously advised the ACCC and National Competition Council on competition and regulatory issues.
His five-year term at the ACCC began on 27 June.
Wendy Martin is the new Creative Futures Fund director
Former CEO of the WA Community Arts Network, Wendy Martin, is set to be the next director of the Creative Futures Fund.
The fund is an initiative of the Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy – Revive – referenced in the policy as “Works of Scale”.
Ms Martin brings more than two decades of leadership in the performing arts, including as Perth Festival artistic director and head of performance and dance programming at the Southbank Centre in London and the Sydney Opera House.
Wendy Martin begins in her new role with the Creative Futures Fund on 5 August. Photo: Creative Australia.
Scott Langford to head Housing Australia as CEO
The board of Housing Australia has confirmed the appointment of Scott Langford to replace outgoing CEO Nathan Dal Bon.
Housing Australia is the independent national housing agency. It works with the private sector, community housing providers and all levels of government to facilitate and deliver programs that help more Australians to access social and affordable housing or to buy a home.
Mr Langford is currently Group CEO of St George Community Housing, a Tier 1 Community Housing Provider managing more than 7000 dwellings providing homes for 11,500 Australians.
Scott Langford’s previous roles include general manager of housing and urban development for Junction Australia and executive director of Habitat for Humanity Australia. Photo: Housing Australia.
Barry Jackson to step down from managing director role at DHA
After being reappointed in May, Barry Jackson is set to step down from his role as managing director of Defence Housing Australia (DHA).
DHA provides housing and related services to members of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
Originally appointed in May 2019, Mr Jackson came to the role after being Deputy Secretary of Service Delivery Operations at the Department of Human Services. Before this, he held various senior executive roles in DFAT and the Department of Finance.
Barry Jackson also serves as deputy chair of Goodwin Aged Care Services and on the board of Koomarri. Photo: DHA.
Andrea Gomes da Silva to advise Treasury and ACCC
The Federal Government has appointed independent expert Andrea Gomes da Silva as an adviser to Treasury and the ACCC.
Ms Gomes da Silva will support the agencies as they implement a new merger control system, of which draft legislation has been opened for public consultation until 13 August.
She brings extensive experience as a merger decision-maker and leader at the United Kingdom Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and as a competition lawyer. There she led the CMA’s merger functions during a period of significant change and expansion after the UK’s exit from the European Union.
Board appointments to Australian Renewable Energy Agency
Several key appointments have been made to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) board.
ARENA is now playing a key role in the Federal Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda, administering Hydrogen Headstart, Solar Sunshot, Battery Breakthrough and the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund.
Justin Punch has been reappointed as chair for his third term, while Elizabeth O’Leary will continue in her role for a second term. Ruby Heard and Dr Dean Travers are joining as board members for the first time.
Ms Heard, the first Indigenous ARENA board member, is an electrical engineer and founding director of Alinga Energy Consulting. An experienced energy sector strategist, Dr Travers has worked across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia to develop conventional and renewable energy projects for ENGIE, formerly GDF Suez.
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen thanked outgoing members Anna Matysek and John Hirjee, who each served two terms on the board.
National Transport Commission appointments
Minister Catherine King has confirmed Loretta Lynch and Michael Byrne as new members of the National Transport Commission.
Their appointments come after an agreement at the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers’ meeting, which brought together respective ministers from all the state and territory governments of Australia.
Ms Lynch has 30 years’ experience in the international and domestic rail, construction, resources and public transport industries. Mr Byrne has extensive experience in the infrastructure, global logistics, and supply chain sectors, as well as government and private sector board memberships.
Infrastructure and Transport Ministers also supported extending the appointment of South Australia’s Infrastructure and Transport chief executive, Jon Whelan, for a full term until 31 December, 2026.
New Hearing Australia board member
Loretta Di Mento is the new NSW-based member of Hearing Australia’s board for the next three years.
Hearing Australia provides services across the country to people experiencing hearing loss, including children and adults from First Nations communities.
Ms Di Mento is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a member of Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand, and a registered company auditor.
Loretta Di Mento is also chair of the board of the Western Sydney Local Health District, deputy chair of Museums of History NSW and the board of Sydney Catholic Schools. Photo: WSLHD.
Expert advisory group to help guide NDIA on co-design and improvements to NDIS
A new expert advisory group featuring some of Australia’s most respected early childhood experts will help shape improvements to the experience of children and their families in the NDIS.
The Children’s Expert Advisory Group will work with the National Disability Insurance Agency to co-design improvements to the NDIS for children and their families, including those arising from the NDIS Review recommendations accepted by the government.
Advisory group members include:
- Sylvana Mahmic – NDIS Independent Advisory Council
- Skye Kakoschke-Moore – Children and Young People with Disability Australia
- Yvonne Keane – Reimagine
- Samantha Page – Early Childhood Australia
- Gretchen Young – SNAICC National Voice for Our Children
- Jenny Karavolos – Australian Autism Alliance
- Morgan Fitpatrick – Best Practice in Early Childhood Intervention Network
- Professor Sharon Goldfeld – Centre for Community Child Health
- Dr Tim Moore – Centre for Community Child Health
- Professor Valsamma Eapen – University of NSW
- Sebastian Langdon-Macmillan – Member Youth Steering Committee
- Ellen Gould – NDIS Independent Advisory Council Reference Group Member
States and Territories
NSW appoints first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner
Premier Chris Minns has confirmed the appointment of Dr Marion Healy PSM as NSW’s first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, following her successful tenure as the interim Commissioner since June last year.
The appointment follows the NSW Government passing the Biosecurity Amendment (Independent Biosecurity Commissioner) Bill in November 2023.
As Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, Dr Healy will provide independent and impartial advice to the Parliament and government on the $945.7 million biosecurity protection program’s effectiveness and opportunities for improvement.
Supporting her work is the newly appointed Rachel Connell as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Biosecurity in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Kate Lorimer-Ward has also been appointed as the first female CEO of Local Land services. Ms Lorimer-Ward will work closely alongside the new Local Land Services State Board chair Tess Herbert.
Dr Marion Healy holds a PhD in molecular genetics and has more than 20 years of experience in senior roles across government and industry. She is pictured beside Dr Jonathan Banks. Photo: X/@DAFFgov.
New NCAT deputy president and division head for NSW
Experienced tribunal member and solicitor Theresa Simon has been appointed as the new deputy president and head of the Consumer and Commercial Division of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
Ms Simon is currently a principal member of NCAT and has dealt with many complex and significant legal cases, including high-profile matters. In recent years, she has also been actively involved with the Council of Australasian Tribunals and chaired the organising committee for the 2023 national conference.
Fresh Chair for NSW Board of State Insurance Regulatory Authority
Customer Service and Digital Government Minister Jihad Dib has announced the appointment of Nicholas Whitlam as the next Chair of the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA).
SIRA regulates motor accidents CTP insurance, workers compensation insurance and the home building compensation scheme in NSW.
Mr Whitlam was the inaugural chair of the Port Authority of NSW until 2018, after holding the chair positions for the ports of Sydney, Newcastle and Port Kembla prior to their amalgamation. He also served as chair of the Lifetime Care and Support Authority and was on the boards of WorkCover NSW and the WorkCover Insurance Investment Fund.
Minister Dib has also appointed Helen Rowell to the SIRA Board. Ms Rowell was the deputy chair of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) for 10 years until June 2023.
Nicholas Whitlam replaces outgoing chair Trevor Matthews. Photo: Whitlam.com.
Four magistrates appointed to the NSW Local Court
NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley has confirmed the appointments of Danielle Mansour, Jennifer Wong, Maryanna Higginson and Rachael Wong to the state’s Local Court.
Together they represent more than eight decades of legal experience with professional backgrounds across the Crown Solicitor’s Office, NSW Police, court registry, advocacy for victims and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Following the swearing-in of the new magistrates, there are now 79 female and 75 male magistrates in the NSW Local Court.
Kasey Pearce appointed NSW Deputy State Coroner
NSW Local Court Magistrate Kasey Pearce has joined the Coronial Jurisdiction as a Deputy State Coroner to bolster resources ahead of the inquest into the tragic incident at Bondi Junction.
The State Government committed $18 million in additional funding to the Coronial Jurisdiction for the mandatory inquest, which will be overseen by the NSW State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan.
In addition to the appointment of the extra Deputy State Coroner, the funding will allow the inquiry to proceed with trauma-informed care for victims and families, akin to the approach taken following the Lindt Cafe siege.
Consumers, carers and community members appointed to NSW Advisory Council
The NSW Government has welcomed 14 community members to a new Advisory Council to help guide how care is delivered across the NSW public health system.
The new members will work with representatives from the Ministry of Health, to identify areas for improvement and inform the development of better policies, programs and services.
The Council will also work in partnership with the recently established Health System Advisory Council, which is made up of doctors, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals who provide independent and impartial strategic clinical advice on key priorities and functions of the health system.
New chair and members for Queensland Reconstruction Board
Katarina Carroll has been announced as the new board chairperson for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA), the state’s lead agency for disaster recovery and resilience.
Joining her on the QRA board for a three-year term are Dr Aysin Dedekorkut-Howes and Lynette McLaughlin.
Dr Dedekorkut-Howes is the program director of urban and environmental planning at Griffith University. Ms McLaughlin has extensive experience in community and regional issues, serving as a councillor and mayor for 22 years in Burdekin Shire Council.
Katarina Carroll formerly served as Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. Photo: QPS.
WA Attorney-General appoints CCC Deputy Commissioner and new magistrate
Western Australia’s Attorney-General John Quigley has confirmed the appointment of Michael Corboy SC as a Deputy Commissioner of the Corruption and Crime Commission, along with Melissa McEwen as a new magistrate of the court.
The new CCC Deputy Commissioner position was created by amendments to the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003 (WA) earlier this year.
Mr Corboy retired as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Western Australia in April 2023 after serving on the bench for 13 years. He will serve for the next five years in the CCC, which investigates allegations of serious misconduct in the WA public sector.
Since late 2022, Ms McEwen has served as a state prosecutor at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), where she was part of the trial resolutions team. She will begin her new role on 5 August.
New members of the WA Ministerial Youth Advisory Council appointed
The WA Government has welcomed new members of the Ministerial Youth Advisory Council (MYAC), who will represent the voice of young West Australians.
Re-established in 2017, MYAC provides advice to the Minister for Youth, with members aged 15 to 25 appointed for a two-year term.
New MYAC members are:
- Alessia Maio (co-chair)
- Joshua Peckover (co-chair)
- Amani Kariuki
- Henry Bird
- Isabella Choate
- Joshoa Zilani
- Kate Monaghan
- Nandini Gera
- Om Sharma
- Takunda Bere.
Search begins for Tasmanian Department of Health Secretary
A nationwide search has begun for the head of agency to lead Tasmania’s rapidly growing health sector.
The role will focus on key strategic priorities around child safeguarding reform, digital health transformation, health workforce strategy and one health culture reform.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Guy Barnett said applications were open for the Secretary of Tasmania’s Department of Health until 25 August.
Open for consultation
National survey on telecommunications issues throughout regional Australia
The Federal Government has – for the first time – released its Regional Telecommunications Review survey, providing a way for regional, rural and remote Australians to easily give feedback on how they are experiencing telecommunications in their communities. The short online survey closes on 31 July.
Improving crane licensing under the model WHS laws
Safe Work Australia is seeking feedback on six detailed proposals for changes that could be made to crane licensing to improve safety and ensure the licensing system keeps pace with changing work practices and technology. Submissions for the discussion paper are open until 31 July.
Review of the Foreign Arrangements Scheme
Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM is leading an independent review of Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020, which underpins the Foreign Arrangements Scheme.
The scheme was introduced to ensure that Australian governments at all levels and Australian public universities enter agreements with foreign countries that do not adversely affect Australia’s foreign relations and are not inconsistent with Australia’s foreign policy.
Public submissions are open until 2 August.
Eligibility requirements for tax practitioner registration
The Federal Government has released a consultation paper reviewing the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) registration requirements for tax practitioners, following revelations of the PwC scandal. The paper focuses on the education, qualification and experience requirements for new entrants and existing practitioners. Feedback from the public is open until 7 August.
Reforming mergers and acquisitions draft legislation
The Federal Government is calling for submissions on draft legislation reforming Australia’s merger approval system to make it faster, stronger, simpler, more targeted and transparent. The legislation will take effect at the beginning of 2026, subject to its passage through Parliament. Feedback is open until 13 August.
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 (31 July):
Inquiry into the importance of Antarctica to Australia’s national interests – Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories
Time: 1:45 – 3:45 pm; Chamber: Joint; Location: Sovereign Room, Hobart Function and Conference Centre, 1 Elizabeth Street Pier, Hobart, TAS.
Thursday (1 August):
Inquiry into the importance of Antarctica to Australia’s national interests – Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories
Time: 9 am – 1 pm; Chamber: Joint; Location: Sovereign Room, Hobart Function and Conference Centre, 1 Elizabeth Street Pier, Hobart, TAS.
Food and Beverage Manufacturing in Australia – House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources
Time: 9:40 am – noon; Chamber: House; Location: Tasmania Parliament, Committee Room 1, 1 Salamanca Place, Hobart, TAS.
Friday (2 August):
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: Main Committee Room, Parliament House, Canberra, ACT.
Monday (5 August):
Waste Reduction and Recycling Policies – Environment and Communications References Committee
Time: TBA; Chamber: Senate; Location: 222 Russell Street, Melbourne, VIC.
Issues related to menopause and perimenopause – Community Affairs References Committee
Time: 10 am – 4 pm; Chamber: Senate; Location: Balcony Room, South Australian Parliament, Adelaide, SA.
Australian support for Ukraine – Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee
Time: TBA; Chamber: Senate; Location: Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra, ACT.
Tuesday (6 August):
Education Services for Overseas Students Amendments (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 [Provisions] – Education and Employment Legislation Committee
Time: TBA; Chamber: Senate; Location: Committee Room 2S3, Parliament House, Canberra, ACT.
Issues related to menopause and perimenopause – Community Affairs References Committee
Time: 10:15 am – 11:45 pm; Chamber: Senate; Location: Wattle Room, DoubleTree Hilton Perth Northbridge, Perth, WA.
