Premier welcomes DG appointments

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has welcomed the appointment of seven Directors-General following the recommendation of the independent recruitment panel.

“These most senior public servants deliver essential services to Queenslanders, so it’s crucial that we have the best and brightest leading our government agencies,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Directors-General play an integral role in working collaboratively to support their Ministers and the priorities and policies of Government. Their leadership fosters a professional culture based on integrity and respect.

Directors-General appointed by the merit-based process include: 

• Queensland Health: Mr Michael Walsh 
• Department of Education and Training: Dr Jim Watterston
• Department of Transport and Main Roads: Mr Neil Scales
• Department of Justice and Attorney-General: Mr David Mackie
• Queensland Fire and Emergency Services: Ms Katarina Carroll
• Department of Housing and Public Works: Ms Liza Carroll
• Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services: Mr Michael Hogan

The Premier said the independent selection process was part of the Government’s commitment to returning to a Westminster-style system where the bureaucracy provides independent, high quality advice.

“I greatly value the leadership and expertise our Directors-General bring to the public service. They support their Ministers to help run the state and are vital in keeping Queensland ticking over,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“That is why each Minister received a charter letter outlining their key deliverables, which will be achieved by working with their Director-General and department.

“My Government is committed to delivering better outcomes for Queenslanders.”

Last month, the Premier announced she had axed the Newman Government’s bonus system. It allowed Directors-General to qualify for extra payments of up to 15%. Under the scheme, an extra $640,000 was paid out to DGs in 2013-14.

“I greatly value these new appointees, but they do not need generous bonuses on top of their salary,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

The selection process for the other remaining positions is still under way.

The independent panel was chaired by the Public Service Commission’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Robert Setter and also included Ms Lynelle Briggs AO, Chairperson of the NSW Planning Assessment Commission and Mr Jim Hallion AM, Coordinator-General, South Australia.

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Chief Executives - brief biography

Queensland Health: Michael Walsh

Mr Walsh is a well-respected and highly regarded senior executive. He is currently the Chief Executive of eHealth NSW and previously held a number of executive level roles in both the private and public sectors. These include roles in Queensland Health as Deputy Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Major Hospitals Project Office. Michael has led a number of large scale projects that have delivered quality health services for Queenslanders, including leading the project team to build three tertiary hospitals in South-East Queensland, an $8 billion infrastructure project. Mr Walsh will commence in the role on 6 July 2015.

Department of Education and Training: Jim Watterston

Dr Watterston has more than 30 years' experience across all levels of education, from his first job as a teacher in a remote Indigenous classroom to Deputy Secretary of Victoria’s Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, and Director-General in the Department of Education and Training in the Australian Capital Territory. Dr Watterson is an accomplished academic, with a Doctorate and Masters degree in education. He is an active advocate of the education sector with board memberships including Education Services Australia (ESQ), the University of Queensland Senate and serving the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) as National President. Dr Watterston continues in the Director-General role, which he has held since April 2013.

Department of Transport and Main Roads: Neil Scales 

Mr Scales has almost 40 years’ experience in the transport industry. He has been Director-General of TMR since 2012, delivering crucial transport infrastructure including roads, bridges, railways, marine infrastructure and public transport solutions. His previous roles include Chief Executive Officer of TransLink, as well as Chief Executive and Director-General of Merseytravel, the transport authority for the north of England. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Engineering), a Master of Science (Control Engineering and Computer Systems), a Diploma in Management Studies and a Masters of Business Administration. He is a Fellow of three major UK engineering institutions.

Department of Justice and Attorney-General: David Mackie 

Mr Mackie has been appointed in the role of Director-General, Department of Justice and Attorney-General, a role he has been acting in since earlier this year. David brings to the role more than 25 years' experience in the Queensland Public Sector, in executive and senior management positions responsible for both the delivery of front line services and corporate support services. His significant experience includes senior positions within the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland, the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian. David was previously Deputy Director-General, Department of Justice and Attorney-General in 2012. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Economics and Public Policy.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services: Katarina Carroll 

Ms Carroll brings more than 30 years’ experience in the Queensland Public Service to the role. She oversees responsibility for all firefighting, rescue, HAZMAT and disaster management operations across the state as well as the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue Service and the Office of Emergency Management. Ms Carroll has been Acting Commissioner since early this year. Prior to this, she was Assistant Commissioner in the Queensland Police Service. In 2012 she held the role of Program Executive, G20 Group, with responsibility for 6,700 police and providing security for 26 world leaders in the largest peace time security operation in Australia’s history. Her formal qualifications include an Executive Masters in Public Administration, Degree in Criminology and Graduate Diploma in Applied Management. Her tenure will commence from 1 August 2015.

Department of Housing and Public Works: Liza Carroll 

Ms Carroll is a well-respected senior executive, who has previously held the role of Associate Secretary – Head of Indigenous Affairs in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. In this role, she led the establishment of the integrated Indigenous Affairs group in Prime Minister and Cabinet, the development of the Remote School Attendance strategy and co-chaired the Empowered Communities steering group with Mr Noel Pearson. Prior to this, she was Deputy Secretary in the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Ms Carroll has a Masters of Education (Hons), majoring in sociology and a Bachelor of Education. She was awarded the Public Service Medal for her work leading ‘Ahead of the Game: Blueprint for Reform in the Australian Public Service’. Ms Carroll will commence in the role from 3 August 2015.

Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services: Mr Michael Hogan 

Mr Hogan continues in the role of Director-General, having held the position since April 2014. He has extensive experience in leading strategic policy and programs in the areas of community engagement, community development and community services. Michael has served on many Boards including the New South Wales Council of Social Service and the Consumers’ Health fund Forum of Australia. He has also led and supported a range of initiatives including Queensland’s response to the National Disability Scheme, the development of the Domestic and Family Violence Act, and developing programs and services for child protection and safety.