Premier welcomes Director-General appointments

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced the appointments of two new Directors-General to the Queensland Public Service.

In April Ms Rachel Hunter will commence as the Director-General of the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDMIP) and Mr Tony Cook will commence as Director-General of the Department of Education (DoE).

The appointments of both Ms Hunter and Mr Cook come following a national search and open merit-based recommendations from a selection panel.

“I am thrilled to have both Mr Cook and Ms Hunter on board, and I know both will bring tremendous experience and knowledge to their respective roles,” the Premier said.

“Not only do Directors-General bring leadership to their departments, they also closely support Ministers in delivering on the promises made by the Government to the people of Queensland.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Michael Schaumburg for his significant contribution as Director-General of DSDMIP and prior to that in State Development, and also Annette Whitehead, for acting as Director-General of DoE.”

The Director-General roles were advertised widely to ensure the best capture of applicants, and the open merit-based recruitment process was chaired by Mr Dave Stewart, Director-General, Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

Media Contact:                 Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875

Biographies

Tony Cook, Director-General, Department of Education (DoE)

Mr Tony Cook has held senior executive positions over the last 16 years in Queensland, Victoria and the Australian Government. For the past six years Mr Cook has been the Associate Secretary, Schools and Youth with the Department of Education and Training in Canberra.

Mr Cook has worked at the highest levels of government delivering significant education and training focused policy initiatives, including leading the Australian Government Schools Funding Taskforce and developing the National Education Reform Agreement and the National Plan for School Improvement.

Mr Cook has held senior executive positions in the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet, Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Education Queensland.

With deep experience in the education sector Mr Cook has an intimate understanding of school reforms that improve student learning outcomes. Mr Cook is passionate about implementing world class education reform to position Queensland and ensure optimum outcomes for all Queensland students.

Rachel Hunter, Director-General, Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDMIP)

Ms Rachel Hunter is a highly regarded and accomplished Director-General and CEO, having worked across various portfolios.

Ms Hunter is a former Director-General of two Queensland Government departments – the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, and the Department of Education, Training and the Arts. Ms Hunter also served as Queensland’s Public Service Commissioner from 2000 to 2003.

Ms Hunter has chaired the Board of Jobs Queensland providing industry and evidence-based advice on skills needs and workforce planning. Ms Hunter is currently a Deputy Chancellor with Griffith University and has served as the Chair of Children’s Health Queensland.

Much of Ms Hunter’s career in government has been spent in portfolios with a focus on employment, skills, training, and economic growth and resilience. She brings to the role an outcome-focused, and values-led leadership style.