AG’s new HR director

Senior executive service

Team 2

Home Affairs promotes based in Canberra Gemma Smyth as first deputy secretary of the counterterrorism coordination center, Sara Vrh as first deputy secretary for transformation, and James Robinson to the First Assistant Secretary for Strategic Policy.

Bianca Ruut has been promoted to General Manager of Service Design and Direct Transformation at Services Australia. A further four others have been appointed as agency CEOs, including those based in Sydney Rachel Clarkebased in Brisbane Rhona MacPherson for the provision of health services, Robert Williams for direct services and SallyMartin for well-being and HR support.

Bridie Dawson is currently the Human Resources Director at the Attorney General’s Department.

Team 1

Chris Butler has been promoted to head of anti-doping operations at Sport Integrity Australia.

Fair Work Ombudsman Gabriela Lewis was promoted to executive director, council.

Stuart Kerr left the Treasury Department for the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) to become senior executive attorney and deputy secretary. Meanwhile, Henry Jones was elevated to the role of SES Band 1 in the same department.

The best mandarin has been named WA’s next chief executive of communities

Mike Rowea public servant with over 30 years of experience, has been formally appointed as head of the Department of Communities.

The agency is responsible for delivering critical frontline social services across key state government functions such as housing, child protection, family and domestic violence prevention, social services and disability services.

Rowe had served as the department’s chief executive since 2021, where he was transferred after leading the Washington State Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

As head of WA Communities, Rowe will continue to lead the department’s strategic plan.

Social Services Minister Sabine Winton said she looked forward to working with the DG.

“I want to congratulate Mike Rowe on his nomination,” Winton said.

“Community provides vital support to thousands of Western Australians every day, and under his leadership the agency is thriving.”

Independent reviewer of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity

Dr Michele Allan The AO has been appointed as an independent reviewer of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosafety (IGAB).

IGAB is an agreement between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments to strengthen the biosecurity system and enhance national cooperation between Australian governments.

The agreement recognizes that biosecurity is a shared responsibility of all governments, industry, natural resource managers, custodians and land users, and aims to strengthen these partnerships.

Victoria introduces new role as parliamentary secretary

Tim Richardson will be the inaugural Secretary of State for Changing Men’s Behavior following the Labor Government’s decision to prioritize the safety of women and children.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said Richardson would oversee the government’s work to end violence against women, which in some cases has led to homicides.

“This is the first position of its kind in Australia and will focus mainly on the impact of the internet and social media on how boys and men approach women and build respectful relationships,” Ms Allan said.

Other changes to parliamentary secretary positions are included Josh Bullsetting a deadline for infrastructure delivery, Nina Taylor for education and Sheena Watt for emergency services.

The appointment as general director is a shooting gun for the Olympic authorities

This week, two big news came from the sunshine state regarding the establishment of an independent oversight body for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics; and vocation EmmaThomas as the authority’s chief executive.

The key responsibilities of the new body will be to present a Games coordination plan and a transport and mobility strategy.

Thomas recently left Sunshine Coast Council, where she was chief executive for three years. Her new position will begin on July 1, 2024.

The Net Zero Economy agency has found a successor to outgoing chairman Greg Combet

Ian Ross will take over as the new president of the Net Zero Economy Agency on June 1, 2024.

It will be supported by an independent management board, whose members will be appointed after the regulations are adopted by parliament.

In a statement, Ross said Australia is at a “pivotal moment” as the agency leads the country’s transformation towards a net-zero emissions future.

“The task before us is monumental, but I am confident that with our collective efforts we can turn this challenge into an opportunity for Australia,” Ross said.

“We have the potential to not only achieve net zero emissions by 2050, but also position the country as a leader in renewable energy.”

Appointed judges of the Federal District and Family Court of Australia

Simone Bingham AND Anne Berton will join the FCFCA register in Melbourne and Brisbane respectively from 3 June 2024.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus congratulated both women on their appointments and thanked them for their willingness to serve the people of Australia.

“These appointments were made following an open call for expressions of interest across Australia,” Dreyfus said.

“All applications were then considered by an advisory panel of eminent personalities.”

The government elects new ACCC associate members

Adam Ssak AND Doctor John Small have been appointed as part-time associate members of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Mr Suckling is a Fellow of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and has been appointed an Associate Member of the ACCC until 24 July 2028.

Dr Small is the Chair of the New Zealand Trade Commission (NZCC) and has been appointed an Associate Member of the ACCC until 7 June 2025.

Cross-nominations between the ACMA and ACCC began in 2007 and ensure that a consistent approach is taken where competition and communication issues intersect.

In 2010, cross-appointments began between the NZCC and the ACCC to promote harmonization of the administration of competition law in both jurisdictions.

Hugh de Krester is the next president of the AHRC

Hugh de Kretser will succeed Professor Croucher as head of the Australian Human Rights Commission, commencing his five-year term as president from 30 July 2024.

In a statement, Attorney General Mark Drefys said Mr. de Krester would be responsible for managing the commission’s administrative affairs and directing its work.

“I congratulate Mr. de Kretser on his nomination and thank him for taking on this important role,” Dreyfus said.

“Mr de Kretser was a commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission and a director of the Sentencing Advisory Council. Mr. de Kretser has held positions on the boards of Flourish Australia, the International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations, the National Association of Community Legal Centers and the Human Rights Center.