Government Leadership Updates: Promotions and Appointments Across Various Departments

The Australian Government Solicitor has recently announced the promotion of four senior executive lawyers, namely Larissa Chu, Katherine Brophy, Laura Smyth, and Carmen Mak. Additionally, Emil Stojanovski and Alison Airey have been appointed as assistant secretaries at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). At the Department of Education, Gemma Sandlant and Christopher Mudford are welcomed as new assistant secretaries for policy and programs.

Moreover, the Australian Submarine Agency has introduced two new director generals, Jeremy Coghlan managing the construction division, and Peter Kitchen offering legal advice on domestic nuclear regulation. In other leadership updates, Nicholas Walker has been promoted to the commander of trade, East.

George Mina has achieved the position of DFAT deputy secretary, transitioning from his role as Australia’s ambassador to the World Trade Organisation. Mina has an extensive background, having served as the first assistant secretary at the office of global trade negotiations.

Renowned public servant David Thodey has been elected as the new chancellor of the University of Sydney, succeeding Belinda Hutchinson. Thodey, known for his role in leading the 2019 Australia 2020 summit and his contributions to the National COVID-19 Commission Advisory Board, currently chairs Ramsay Health Care, Tech Central, and Xero.

In Queensland, the Public Sector Commission is set to lead an initiative to rejuvenate the state’s public sector. The implementation strategy will be overseen by the Public Sector Governance Council, with leaders such as Mike Kaiser, Michael Carey, and David Mackie involved. Joining the council are two new community representatives—Angela Leitch and Professor A J Brown, providing expert advice to support the council’s mission.

Furthermore, three diplomats have been appointed to represent Australia across the globe, including Elizabeth Ward as the new ambassador for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Joel Smith will serve as the ambassador to Germany, replacing Phil Green, and Grant-Curnow has been designated as the ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia.

Notably, Steven Kennedy will continue to lead the Federal Treasury, having been reappointed for a five-year term. Kennedy, with a distinguished career in public service, has been instrumental in shaping the government’s economic agenda and policies.

Lastly, former New Zealand transport minister Simon Bridges has been appointed as the chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency, bringing his expertise to the role for a three-year term.