New DG at Department of Education

Melbourne-based executive Lisa Rodgers has been appointed director general of the Department of Education, making her the fifth woman to be appointed to a director general role in Western Australia this year.

Ms Rodgers has been chief executive of the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership since 2016.

She has held a number of roles in the education sector in Australia and New Zealand, including senior positions in New Zealand’s Ministry of Education as deputy secretary - early learning and student achievement, and deputy secretary - evidence, data and knowledge.

Ms Rodgers will be responsible for leading the Department of Education as it focuses on lifting student performance in Aboriginal and lower socio-economic groups, and assisting schools adapt to a shifting social and educational environment.

She will start the role in January 2019.

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery welcomed Ms Rodgers.

“I congratulate Ms Rodgers on her appointment,” Ms Ellery said.

“She has extensive experience in the education sector in New Zealand and Australia, and is well-placed to lead the department into the future.

“I’d like to celebrate the appointment of another woman in a senior public service position, and I look forward to working with Ms Rodgers.

Ms Rodgers will take the position left vacant by Sharyn O’Neill who left the Department in July after more than a decade to serve as the first-ever female public sector commissioner in WA.

Other women appointed to director general (or equivalent) roles in the state this year were Caroline Spencer as auditor general; Rebecca Brown with the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation; and Jodi Cant, who moved from Landgate to head the Department of Finance.