Training and Workforce Development Minister, Simone McGurk, has today announced the appointment of Jodie Wallace to the position of Director General at the department.
Ms Wallace’s five-year term will commence on 30 November, following her appointment by the Governor of Western Australia, Chris Dawson AC APM.
Ms Wallace (pictured) has worked in the public sector for more than two decades and has held Executive Director positions at the Department of Training and Workforce Development for the last six years.
Her leadership was recently recognised at the 2023 Institute of Public Administration Australia (WA) Achievement Awards where she was named Leader of the Year working with a Division, Team or Organisation.
“Ms Wallace played a pivotal role in securing up to $1.3 billion for WA through the National Skills Agreement with the Commonwealth Government,” said Minister McGurk.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Ms Wallace who has a results-driven approach and has a strong track record of delivering meaningful initiatives that make positive changes to lives of those who need it most.”
Minister McGurk also acknowledged Ms Karen Ho, who she said had served the department with distinction during a time of unprecedented demand for skilled workers and record publicly funded enrolments.
After her 35 years in the WA public sector Ms Ho will finish as Director General of the Department of Training and Workforce Development on 29 November.
“I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of Ms Karen Ho who has served the people of WA for more than three decades,” said Minister McGurk.
“Her leadership and contribution to the State are highly valued.”
During her time as Director General, Ms Ho oversaw the implementation of the highly successful fee free TAFE initiatives which saw record numbers of people develop skills in areas where they are needed most so Western Australians can get jobs and grow the economy, the Minister said.