In other news:
- New role for Mark Scott
- MAV president appointed
- Changes at the top in Queensland
The 37 member nations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development have chosen former finance minister Mathias Cormann as OECD Secretary General for the next five years.
He replaces Angel Gurria who served for 15 years, beating nine other international candidates for the plum post.
In a statement Mr Cormann said his priorities for the job included maximising economic recovery in the wake of COVID, driving action on climate change to achieve global net-zero emissions by 2050, promoting digital technology and strengthening the reach of the OECD in the Asia Pacific.
“I will give the Organisation and its members my absolute best and strive to make the OECD a place that inspires collaboration and action in support of a sustainable and inclusive future,” he said.
The appointment follows several months of lobbying by Mr Cormann.
It is the most senior appointment of an Australian candidate to an international body for decades and a major feather in the cap for the federal government.
He begins on June 1.
Mark Scott to be new Sydney Uni Vice-Chancellor
NSW Education Department Secretary and former ABC Managing Director Mark Scott will take up a new role as the 27th Vice Chancellor and Principal at Sydney University on July 19.
Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson says Mr Scott is a respected and successful senior leader of large, complex and public-facing public sector institutions.
“At a time when our sector is facing significant challenges, Mark is uniquely placed to lead us in responding to those challenges by developing and implementing transformational strategies and building coalitions of support,” she said.
His appointment follows an international search that began almost a year ago.
Mr Scott has led NSW Education since 2016.
Changes at the top in Queensland
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s Director General Dave Stewart will take up the role of Agent-General for the UK and Trade and Investment Commissioner Europe later this year.
Mr Stewart, considered one of Australia’s most experienced public officials, has served as head of the Department of Premier and Cabinet for six years.
He will be replaced by Under Treasurer and former Queensland Public Service Commissioner Rachel Hunter, who becomes Queensland’s first female Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet in May.
Ms Hunter’s leadership experience includes former roles as Director-General of three Queensland government departments including Justice and Attorney General; Education, Training and the Arts; and State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning.
Ms Palaszczuk also thanked outgoing Agent General for the UK and Trade and Investment Commissioner Linda Apelt, whose achievements include growing the state’s renewable and hydrogen sectors with UK stakeholders.
New President at MAV
Pyrenees Shire Councillor David Clark has promised strong engagement with all levels of government after being elected president of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) for the next two years.
“I am truly humbled to be elected to the role of President of MAV, coming as I do from one of the smallest Councils in Victoria,” Cr Clark said.
“In Councils like mine, the issues we share across the entire sector are always sharply in focus as they can often limit Council undertaking both its legislated responsibilities and its service role to its communities.”
Cr Clark, who most recently held the role of deputy at the peak local government body, says a key part of his role will be to help Victorians understand how much they depend on council services every day.
Acting chair appointed at NAIF
lawyer, company director and former investment banker Justin Mannolini has been named acting chair of the Northen Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).
The appointment comes as the government is introducing reforms to extend the facility’s operations for five more years and widen the scope of its projects and financing.
He replaces outgoing Chair Khory McCormick.
Mr Mannolini is a founding member of the NAIF board.
The organisation has commited more than $2.8 million to infrastructure projects in northern Australia since it was established in 2016.
Lismore appoints new executive director
Former Townsville director Eber Butron will take up a new job as Lismore City Council’s Director of Partnerships, Planning and Engagement.
Most recently he was Director of Planning, Environment and Cultural Services and acting CEO at Townsville City Council.
Mr Butron has had a long career in local government and has held senior management roles for the last 15 years.
He says he was attracted by the professional challenges of the job.
“Lismore Council is facing very similar issues that other councils face around Australia, not just NSW,” Mr Butron said.
“Things like long-term sustainability and how to get the right balance between growth and lifestyle from an environment perspective.”
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