- Fresh public sector leadership to drive renewed focus on the priorities of the WA community
- New appointments follow targeted reforms to deliver Team WA approach at all levels of government
- Senior public sector appointments to focus on economic resilience and delivering jobs, hospitals and houses for all Western Australians
- All five appointments highly qualified and experienced in specific capabilities required for their reshaped departments
- Three of five appointments from interstate showcase Western Australia's standing as an economic leader
The Cook Government has today announced five new public sector leaders have been appointed to departments that are being reshaped to deliver more jobs, hospitals and homes for Western Australians.
The new appointments announced today bring fresh energy and deep strategic experience to maintain Western Australia's position as the strongest economy in the nation, while meeting the challenges that come with having the fastest growing population in the nation.
Three of the five appointees come from interstate, bringing fresh ideas and valuable insights, as Western Australia seeks to become the best place in the world to do business.
The nationwide recruitment search has delivered leaders with the specific qualifications, executive experience and capacity for innovation required for their respective departments.
The five appointments are:
- Director General, Department of the Premier and Cabinet - Michael Carey:
- Previous roles include Queensland Under Treasurer and Associate Director-General Cabinet Office at Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet
- More than 20 years leadership experience including policy and program reforms which have strongly contributed to economic and social development
- Extensive qualifications and professional achievements as well as demonstrated highest levels of integrity, trust and compassion in his leadership.
- Under Treasurer, Department of Treasury and Finance - Joann Wilkie:
- First female Under Treasurer in Western Australia
- Currently Deputy Secretary, Economic Strategy and Productivity Group at NSW Treasury
- Highly qualified and talented public sector executive with proven ability to manage issues presented by global uncertainty, and extensive knowledge of contemporary approaches to economic management and development.
- Director General, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport - Chad Anderson:
- Most recently Deputy Director General Tourism at Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
- More than 20 years experience in Federal, State and Territory governments with a strong track record in the finance, education, sport and tourism sectors
- Brings a talent for identifying opportunities and building partnerships, as well as developing a culture of innovation and delivering cross-sector strategies.
- Director General, Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration - Chris Shaw:
- Currently Deputy Director General Approvals at WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
- Has national experience in enhancing minerals and resources industries to 'value add' and bring expanded benefits to the community
- Extensive knowledge of the mining and petroleum industries and track record of managing complex negotiations to ensure delivery of major industry projects.
- Director General, Department of Housing and Works - Leon McIvor:
- Currently Deputy Director General Housing and Homelessness at WA Department of Communities
- An experienced and successful senior executive who has delivered major social infrastructure projects and programs
- Highly credentialled leader overseeing strategic government services including property and tenancy management, planning, strategic asset management, intergovernmental relations, property development and construction.
Leon McIvor will begin his new role on 1 July 2025. Joann Wilkie, Michael Carey and Chad Anderson will begin their new roles on 4 August 2025, to provide time for their interstate moves. Chris Shaw will also start his new role on 4 August.
The Governor of Western Australia has reappointed Heather Brayford as the Director General of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Business Development Corporation.
Ms Brayford has previously held senior positions in the public sector including Director General of the Department of Fisheries, and Deputy Director General, Sustainability and Biosecurity at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"The refreshed public sector leadership that I have announced today will help Western Australia meet the opportunities and challenges associated with being the strongest economy in the nation, with the fastest growing population in the nation.
"My government has a laser-like focus on our priorities of jobs, health and housing, and our Directors General will bring new energy and ideas to help us continue to deliver for the community.
"My government has a plan to make our economy more resilient by backing our resources sector, diversifying our economy and making more things here, and the public sector leadership renewal I am announcing today will assist us to deliver on our commitments.
"These appointments build on the public sector reforms we announced earlier this year, which are delivering nine reshaped departments, which will assist us to diversify our economy and create jobs, as well as deliver our bold health infrastructure and housing programs.
"I have always valued the work of our public sector and today's announcement brings new blood and fresh ideas to a Team WA approach at all levels of government as we navigate these globally uncertain times.
"It is great to see two outstanding leaders from our public sector receive an opportunity for promotion. It is also exciting to see three leaders join us from outside of the State, bringing valuable insights as we pursue our vision of becoming the best place in the world to do business and deliver the hospitals and homes needed by Australia's fastest growing State economy.
"My congratulations go to our new Directors General and thanks to all of the candidates who took the time to apply, in what was a strong field."
