WA Premier, Roger Cook, has confirmed a nationwide recruitment effort is underway as the Government works to secure the leadership of five departments following reforms announced on 31 March.
“Following our announcement of targeted public sector reforms, we are moving to ensure strong and focused public sector leadership that Western Australia needs to deliver on our priorities of diversifying the economy and a better way to build,” said Premier Cook.
The Premier said the state’s Public Sector Commissioner was searching nationwide for new directors general of four departments, as well as the State’s new Under Treasurer.
“Confirming leadership of other departments in the changes taking place from 1 July allows my government to get on with the work of delivering for Western Australians,” he said.
“Directors general play a valuable role in leadership and creating culture. They are essential to delivering the government’s priorities, and I thank them all for their continued efforts in navigating reform, and their contribution to the success of the public sector.”
Recruitment for five vacant leadership positions is underway, with advertisements running nationally for:
- Under Treasurer of the Department of Treasury and Finance;
- Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet;
- Director General of the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport;
- Director General of the Department of Housing and Works; and
- Director General of the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration.
Leveraging her extensive experience in regulatory governance and industry oversight, Lanie Chopping will head up the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety. In this role she will build on her work in driving changes in local government as well as racing, gaming and liquor regulation, said Premier Cook.
“I welcome Lanie Choping into the reshaped regulatory department to provide a more focused approach across a broad spectrum of reform to improve outcomes for industry and the community in the State,” said the Premier.
He confirmed Jodi Cant will depart from her role of Director General of the Department of Finance on 30 June 2025 to seek new opportunities.
Ms Cant was appointed seven years ago to set a new path for the department and will continue to oversee the set up of the Department of Housing and Works until she finishes.
“I thank Jodi Cant for her service to Western Australia as Director General of the Department of Finance since August 2018. Through her leadership, the department has played a key role supporting the delivery of major infrastructure including the iconic Boola Bardip WA Museum and a large number of schools,” said Premier Cook.
The Premier said the reforms aim to deliver on the government’s goals of job creation through economic diversification, local manufacturing and energy transition; delivery of hospitals and other major infrastructure; and the building of houses across Western Australia.
