In this wrap:

• NSW SES Commissioner steps down over misconduct claims
• Frankie Carroll appointed Queensland Under Treasurer
• Coral Ross to lead MAV
• New Director at the Institute of Public Policy and Governance
• Top Police Commissioner to advise ASG Group
• New executive director for WPP’s Public Sector Practice

SES Commissioner steps down over misconduct claims

Mark Smethurst, the Commissioner of the NSW State Emergency Services (SES) and former Commander in the Australian Army on Friday resigned following allegations of misconduct.

Mr Smethurst was appointed to the role two years ago, and joined the Australian Defence Force in 1985.

NSW Police Minister Troy Grant on Friday said the allegations were being “taken seriously” and that “appropriate measures had been implemented to support those affected”.

Police Force Assistant Commissioner Kyle Stewart will step into the role temporarily until the position is formally advertised following the state election later this month.

Frankie Carrol new Under Treasurer for Qld Public Service

Former Director General of the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and former CEO of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Frankie Carroll has taken up the role of Under Treasurer for the State of Queensland.

“I welcome Mr Carroll as he takes up the role of Under Treasurer,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in a statement. “I know he will bring enormous experience, energy and leadership to Queensland Treasury”.

The appointment has also been welcome by Queensland’s peak local government body.

Mr Carroll would bring the right mix of skills, experience and common sense to one of the most demanding jobs in the state’s bureaucracy, LGAQ chief executive Greg Hallam said.

Coral Ross to lead MAV alongside new board

Former Mayor of the City of Boorondara Cr Coral Ross is set to take the reins at Victoria’s local government peak, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), alongside 12 new board members.

Cr Ross, who is also the president of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, will take the lead at MAV for the next two years following the departure of outgoing President Cr Mary Lalios.

Just last week Cr Ross’ was recognised for her work in local government and inducted on the Victorian Honour Roll for Women.

Cr Ross has signalled a focus on building partnerships with the state government, councils and other peaks.

New Director at the Institute of Public Policy and Governance

Australia’s independent research body, the Institute of Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) has appointed a new director.

The IPPG, which incorporates the Centre for Local Government and provides research and consultancy in public administration and policy, in late February appointed Carol Mills to the position.

Ms Mills has nearly 30 years’ experience as a policymaker and researcher at both state and federal levels, and previously held senior roles as secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services and Director-General of Communities NSW and NSW Department of Arts, Sport and Recreation.

Professor Roberta Ryan, the institute’s inaugural director, will continue to work at the institute as one of the sector’s leading experts in public policy.

Top Police Commissioner to advise ASG Group

Former NSW Assistant Commissioner of Police and counter terrorism expert Peter Dein has been appointed national security advisor for digital services provider ASG Group.

ASG says the appointment comes as the company moves to grow its operations to provide technological solutions for security and risk management across all States and Territories.

New executive director for WPP’s Public Sector Practice

WPP’s Government and Public Sector Practice has appointed Michael Harris as Executive Director for Australia and New Zealand.

The global marketing and communications firm, launched in 2015, works with public sector clients at the local, state and federal level.

Mr Harris previously worked as client lead at media agency Wavemaker and has over 30 years’ advertising experience including extensive government experience

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