WA’s public service will be headed by a ANZSOG alum after the state Governor officially confirmed the appointment of Darren Foster last week.
Mr Foster was a participant in ANZSOG’s Executive Fellows Program in November 2016, taking the opportunity to develop his leadership skills and public sector expertise.
He will become Director-General of both WA’s Department of Premier and Cabinet and its Department of Aboriginal Affairs, which will be merged into the central agency.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said Mr Foster possesses strong qualities of leadership, accountability, collaboration and innovation.
Mr Foster was Chief of Staff to Premier McGowan for the final four years of WA Labor’s last term of government, which ended in 2008, when he was a minister with several portfolios.
“I congratulate Mr Foster on this appointment and recognise him for his achievements in government over the past three decades,” Mr McGowan said. “He brings a wealth of experience from across policy, management and operational areas which will strengthen his duties in spearheading the administration of executive government services and government policy management.”
Mr Foster will take charge of implementing the McGowan Government’s machinery of government changes, a major shake-up aimed at creating a more efficient and effective public sector.
Prior to his appointment, Mr Foster was acting Deputy Director General of DPC. He was seconded into the role from the Department of Fisheries where he served as Deputy Director General, and was responsible for aquaculture, fisheries management, legal services, environment and biosecurity.
He has had 30 years of experience in the public sector and has also worked as director of strategic policy and planning in WA’s Office of the Environmental Protection Authority, as well as in senior policy and strategy roles for the Federal and local governments.