In other news:

• New Future Fund Management Agency CEO
• Melbourne infrastructure head appointed as NSW Small Business Commissioner
• Mental health expert joins CMO team

Administrators appointed at Casey

The Victorian Government has appointed a panel of administrators until 2024 to restore good governance and accountability to Casey City Council.

Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek said the appointments would address serious failures of governance at the council.

Former Whitehorse City Council CEO Noelene Duff, Interim Director of the Oceania Cyber Security Centre Cameron Boardman and Barrister Miguel Belmar have been appointed until the 2024 general council election, with Ms Duff to take on the role of Chairperson.

Casey City Council was dismissed in February following the recommendation of a Municipal Monitor investigation which found clear evidence the council failed to provide good governance to the City of Casey.

The appointment period would ensure good governance was embedded in the council, local government minister Adem Somyurek said.

“The Administrators will work as a team to ensure the council is governing in the best interests of the local community and providing the highest standards of conduct, transparency and integrity,” he said in a statement.

Mental health expert added to CMO team

Victoria’s former chief psychiatrist Associate Professor Ruth Vine has been appointed as deputy CMO for mental health.

Health minister Greg Hunt said Dr Vine’s role will include supporting mental health during COVID-19 and coordinating mental health with the states and territories beyond that.

“The mental health impact of COVID-19 and the ongoing impact of other events such as the bushfires and drought will be significant,” told parliament on May 14.

Dr Vine’s appointment has been applauded by mental health advocacy groups and the AMA, who said Dr Vine brought considerati expertise to the team assisting CMO Brendan Murphy.

New future fund CEO

 Dr Raphael Arndt has been promoted to  CEO of the Future Fund Management Agency.

Dr Arndt led the Future Fund’s infrastructure and timberland investment program until his appointment as the fund’s Chief Investment Officer in 2014.

He is also a non-executive director of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable foundation.

Chairman Peter Costello said  Mr Arndt will take up the role on July 1. Cameron Price will continue as acting CEO until then.

Ex IBAC deputy joins new fraud firm

Former IBAC deputy commissioner Simon Heath and former Victoria Police extortion squad senior manager Shane Ringin have joined a new multidisciplinary firm established to tackle COVID-related fraud, misconduct and financial crime.

 The firm, Duxton Hill also provides whistleblower advice and assistance to companies and executives facing proceedings by regulators, corruption inquiries, royal commissions and ombudsman probes.

Duxton Hill was established by former barrister Andrew Tragardh, who successfully defended Australian Wheat Board trade manager Peter Geary in the Supreme Court in 2018 against allegation he breached his duties during the UN Oil for Food Program.

EMPHN appoints new CEO

Health executive Janine Wilson has been appointed as CEO of Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network where she will be responsible for guiding business over the next five years.

Chair Dr Stephen Duckett said Ms Wilson will be in charge of driving the network’s transformational strategies under its 2020-25 Strategic Plan.

Ms Wilson has held senior executive positions in Telstra Health with the National Cancer Screening Register. She has also held executive roles with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service where she helped transform the national workforce and introduced a new technology platform for donors.

New NSW Small Business Commissioner

NSW has nabbed City of Melbourne’s capital projects and infrastructure general manager to lead the state’s Office of the Small Business Commission.

Small business minister Damien Tudehope says Chris Lamont’s appointment as commissioner will provide a focus and direction for small business at at difficult time.

The commission is responsible for advocacy, advice, mediation and support for small businesses.

Mr Lamont has more than 20 years of experience in policy development and advocacy, senior government positions, not-for-profit and industry associations, business and the delivery of major government reforms and programs.

Most recently he was responsible for the delivery of the City of Melbourne’s  capital works program.

Hunt for new chief scientist

An international search has been launched for a new chief scientist following the conclusion of Dr Alan Finkel’s term at the end of the year.

The chief scientist is tasked with providing leadership and advice to the government.

He or she will play a critical role in the nation’s COVID-19 recovery, industry, science and technology minister Karen Andrews said.

“After our summer of bushfires and as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s never been a more important time to ensure we are getting the best possible scientific advice. The Chief Scientist plays a pivotal role in providing that advice to Government,” Ms Andrews said.

Korn Ferry is conducting the search, which is open to Australian citizens until May 29.

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