Source : the age
Queensland Public Sector Commissioner David Mackie has been appointed as Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie’s new department chief, less than four months after the state’s second-in-charge officiated his wedding.
The formal replacement of previous Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning director-general John Sosso, flagged by this masthead last month, comes as Corrective Services Commissioner Paul Stewart retires.
Mackie will start in the new role for a five-year term from August 17, Premier David Crisafulli announced in a media release on Friday afternoon praising the public servant’s 35 years of experience.
Customer Services chief Chris Lamont, who has for months been “exchanged” into a deputy director-general role in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, will act as Public Sector Commissioner.
Deputy Commissioner Jon Peach will act as Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner. Acting or temporary department chief executive arrangements also still exist in Lamont’s former department and police.
The changes are the latest in a suite of recent moves atop the state’s public service, after the permanent appointment of Michael Drane to lead Youth Justice last month after five months acting in the role.
The appointment will reunite the deputy premier with Mackie after the latter served as a deputy director-general in the Sosso-led Justice Department during Bleijie’s stint as Attorney-General in the Newman government.
Mackie went on to lead the department himself under the former Labor government, including attorney-general Yvette D’Ath – another guest at the top public servant’s April nuptials – before being appointed to the Public Sector Commissioner role in 2023.
“David Mackie is one of Queensland’s most experienced and accomplished public sector leaders, with a proven track record of delivering reform, strengthening governance and leading large, complex organisations,” Crisafulli said.
“David’s commitment to excellence in public administration and delivery of outcomes for Queenslanders will be invaluable as we continue to drive economic growth, infrastructure delivery and planning reform across the state.”
Meanwhile, Stewart had decided to retire to focus on his health after 40 years in the public service, including the Queensland Police Service, and at the top of Corrective Services since 2021.
“His career has been marked by integrity, strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to community safety and we thank him for his contribution to Queensland,” Crisafulli said.
“While facing significant health challenges, he continued to serve Queensland with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his service and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
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Matt Dennien is a reporter at Brisbane Times covering state politics, parliament and the public sector. He has previously worked for newspapers in Tasmania and Brisbane community radio station 4ZZZ. Contact him securely on Signal @mattdennien.15Connect via email.
