Gaps aplenty at public service

The state government has announced four permanent appointments at the top of the public service but needs to recruit five new directors general, including at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, which has been without a permanent head for more than a year.

Rebecca Brown has been acting director general of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet since March last year.

She is returning to her substantive role as director general of the Department of Jobs Tourism Science and Innovation, with effect from May 31.

She will be replaced by Emily Roper, who is a deputy DG at Premier and Cabinet but will be acting DG until the role is filled on a permanent basis.

The temporary shuffling at very top of the premier’s department is in addition to leadership changes in the premier Mark McGowan’s office.

Two long-serving advisers – chief of staff Guy Houston and deputy chief of staff Jo Gaines – both left after the recent election.

The premier’s director of communications Daniel Pastorelli has been appointed chief of staff while Veronica Jeffery, who formerly worked for senior minister Rita Saffioti, has been appointed acting deputy chief of staff.

David Cooper from the Seven Network is the premier’s new media director.

Meanwhile, the premier has welcomed several changes by Public Sector Commissioner Sharyn O'Neill, with effect from May 31.

Ms O’Neill said all public servants need to be adaptable and prepared to serve wherever the need for their skills and experience is greatest.

“I have strategically placed leaders in departments where they will be able to deliver maximum benefits for the Western Australian community,” she said.

Richard Sellers, who was acting DG at JTSI, has been appointed DG of the Department of Mines Industry Regulation and Safety.

His substantive role is DG of the Department of Transport but he previously spent seven years running the former Department of Mines and Petroleum.

Peter Woronzow will continue as acting DG at transport.

He is one of six acting DGs at state government departments.

Most of those are at departments where the substantive DG is due to retire in coming months.

David Smith at the Department of Mines Industry Regulation and Safety is due to retire in June.

Duncan Ord, who appeared before the Crown Perth royal commission this week, is due to retire from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries in August.

He will be replaced in an acting capacity by Lanie Chopping.

Also retiring in August will be Gail McGowan at the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage.

Jodi Cant will move to planning as acting DG but it is intended she will return to her substantive role as DG at the Department of Finance once the planning role is filled.

Anne Driscoll at the Department of Training and Workforce Development will also retire in August.

She has completed her service and is currently on entitled leave, with Karen Ho already acting as DG.

Ms O’Neill said the retiring DGs (other than Ms Driscoll) will work on strategic initiatives needed by their ministers through to their retirement.

Mr Smith, for instance, will work on Streamline WA, an initiative that aims to fast-track investment and drive economic growth for the state.

The other permanent appointments announced today involve Mike Rowe and Michelle Andrews.

They have swapped roles, with Mr Rowe to lead the Department of Communities and Ms Andrews getting the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

Ms Andrews, who led Communities for two years, has overseen a major reform effort after long-running corruption in its housing agency was uncovered.

The premier said the Public Sector Commission will commence recruitment processes “in due course” for the five agencies with vacancies in the director general position.

“The departure of some directors general who are retiring has created an opportunity for renewal and rejuvenation in the senior leadership roles within the public sector,” he said.

“I thank these directors general for their years of service to the government and wish them well as they soon embark on their new paths.

“These important changes display the strength of public sector leadership to be adaptable, collaborative, responsive and prepared to serve wherever the need for their skills and experience is greatest.”

Industry response

UDIA WA chief executive Tanya Steinbeck welcomed today's reshuffle, calling it an opportunity to put fresh eyes on reforms to the planning system, environmental approvals system and local government sector.

“It is critical for all stakeholders that interact with the public sector that a collaborative regulatory culture is created to eliminate silos, expedite decision making and reduce duplicative processes,” Ms Steinbeck said.

“I know industry stakeholders, and I personally, have a lot of respect for the leaders that are leaving.

"Gail McGowan in particular has taken a very collaborative approach over the years and she has overseen significant improvement and change within her department."

“However, we still have a long way to go.

“UDIA has continually made recommendations around the need for further reform in planning, environment and local government.

“The less unnecessary delays and red tape that we have to navigate, the more efficiently industry can support economic development."