Department of the Premier and Cabinet Director General, Emily Roper PSM, will finish in her role on Friday, 21 March by mutual agreement, the WA Government has announced.
In discussions before the State Election, Ms Roper (pictured) advised the Public Sector Commissioner of her intention to not seek reappointment at the end of her current contract in December 2026.
To avoid the disruption of leadership change in the middle of the Government’s four-year term, it was agreed for Ms Roper to finish before the end of her contract, WA Premier, Roger Cook has confirmed.
“I personally thank Ms Roper for her important work over the past seven years at the Department,” said the Premier.
“Ms Roper’s dedication and leadership during the COVID pandemic in particular helped ensure the Western Australian Government delivered some of the best outcomes anywhere in the world.
“Ms Roper’s commitment to serve the WA community has been front and centre across a range of critical and complex issues and I and my Cabinet colleagues thank her for her immense contribution to our State.
“With the mandate of Western Australians clear for our Government, we have a lot to achieve over the next four years and long-term stability in key roles such as this one is key.
“I wish Ms Roper all the best for the next stage of her career.”
Over seven years at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet as Director General and Deputy Director General, Ms Roper made a significant contribution through her strategic leadership across diverse portfolios and initiatives ranging from strengthening Commonwealth-State relations to leading family and domestic violence prevention and response.
In 2023 she was awarded the Public Service Medal for her tireless dedication and outstanding leadership of Western Australia’s management and response to COVID-19.
The Public Sector Commission will undertake a process to appoint a new Director General, with Richard Sellers to act in the role after Ms Roper departs.
