In other news:

• Major-General to lead Qld flood recovery
• CIO departs PM&C
• New members for Multicultural NSW Advisory Board

Jonathan Spear has been appointed as the new CEO of Infrastructure Victoria, after acting in the role for four months.  

“Jonathan has played a major role in the success of the organisation since its establishment,” Infrastructure Victoria Board Chair Jim Miller said in a statement.

“We are delighted that he will lead Infrastructure Victoria at this critical juncture when there is a pressing need for both rigorous advice and pragmatic solutions that can position Victoria for a stronger future.”

Dr Spear joined Infrastructure Victoria in 2015 as Executive Director and General Counsel and later led Victoria’s 30-year infrastructure strategy and research program.

During his time there, he has also held the roles of Deputy CEO, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel.

Before joining Infrastructure Victoria, Dr Spear worked in Victoria’s Department of Premier and Cabinet and Department of Justice.

“As the pace of change and uncertainty across all sectors accelerates, Infrastructure Victoria’s role in thought leadership is increasingly important if we are to manage the challenges and grasp the opportunities open to us,” he said in a statement.

Major-General to lead Qld flood recovery

The Queensland Government has announced that Major-General Jake Ellwood will coordinate the state’s recovery operations from the floods.

Major-General Ellwood is currently Commander of the 1st Division in the Australian Army and was previously Deputy Chief of Army.

During the Black Summer bushfires in 2019-20, he was national coordinator for the Australian Defence Force’s response to the disaster.

“When bad things happen, Australians come together,” he said in a statement.

“My job is to coordinate everyone’s efforts to ensure the job is done efficiently and people are back on their feet as fast as possible.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced his appointment last Tuesday.

“This flood event stretches across 22 local government areas and eight cities,” she said in a statement.

“Although recovery is well underway, there is considerable work ahead to recover and rebuild.”

Meanwhile, Resilience NSW’s Metropolitan Sydney Director Dean Betts has been appointed as the Recovery Coordinator to manage flood recovery efforts for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley.

Flood Recovery minister Steph Cooke said Mr Betts has more than 20 years of experience in the emergency services sector.

“Mr Betts’ appointment to the Recovery Coordinator position will ensure flood-affected communities in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley receive support as quickly as possible,” Ms Cooke said.

Mr Betts will work closely with affected communities and alongside local, State and Commonwealth agencies, as well as non-government organisations, Resilience NSW Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.

Mr Betts has previously been employed in the NSW Police Force and NSW TrainLink.

New role for former PM&C CIO

The former CIO of Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Nathan Heeney has taken up a new position with the federal Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment, acting as first assistant secretary digital reform, biosecurity.

Mr Heeney left the PM&C after more than six years as its chief information officer. He previously worked in the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, in the roles of director and project manager.

PM&C told Government News Mr Heeney finished up on January 28th.  

Multicultural NSW Advisory Board welcomes three new members

The NSW Government has appointed new members to the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board who were welcomed at the first meeting on March 4th.

Sally Betts is a councillor for Waverley Council and has served for 26 years, making her the longest sitting councillor at the council.

She was mayor of Waverley Council for eight years and has extensive experience working with charities and multicultural communities.

Sam Elmir is a councillor at Georges River Council and has experience as a pharmacy proprietor.

He is also involved with a number of not-for-profit organisations, including the Australian Christian and Muslim Friendship Society.

Ramneek Singh is a senior consultant for Monitor Deloitte and an entrepreneur with experience across finance, digital production and design, strategy, start-ups and social impact.

Lanie Chopping as Director General of DLGSC

Lanie Chopping has been appointed to the role of Director General of the Western Australia Government’s Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

She has been the interim Director General since May 2021, when she joined the department.

During her time at DLGSC, she was part of strategic planning and restructuring to address findings from the Perth Casino Royal Commission and has driven reform for local government regulation.

Ms Chopping has over a decade’s experience in the public sector and is currently the Commissioner for Legal Aid WA.

Before joining the public sector, Ms Chopping was the Assistant Director at the Economic Regulation Authority.

Mary Mulcahy is new director of TMAG

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has appointed Mary Mulcahy as its new director and she will begin her role in April.

In her role, she will work closely with Chair Brett Torossi and the Board of Trustees to modernise the institution’s operations.  

Ms Mulcahy joins from the federal Department of Education, Skills and Employment, where she was the Director of Stakeholder Engagement for the 2021 National Infrastructure Roadmap.

She will take over the role from Dr David Sudmalis, who has been acting in the role after the departure of former director Janet Carding.

NSW councils welcome new directors

Central Coast Council has appointed Melanie Smith as Director for Community and Recreation Services and Dr Alice Howe as Director for Environment and Planning.

Ms Smith has held senior executive roles in local government and Dr Howe has experience working in environmental and planning in local government.

Shoalhaven City Council has appointed James Ruprai to the role of Director, City Development. 

He joins from Sunshine Coast Council in Queensland, where he was the Group Executive, Customer Engagement and Planning Services.