Stephen Arnott is the First Assistant Secretary, Arts in the Department of Communications and the Arts. Stephen has 15 years’ experience in the Australian Public Service in arts, screen, creative industries, communications and technology policy areas. He has also worked as a ministerial advisor.

Stephen was promoted to the Senior Executive Service in 2009. He was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2005 for his work reforming Australia’s symphony orchestras.

Previously Stephen helped run a small business providing data security services to corporate clients in Sydney.

Stephen has a Doctorate in French Philosophy from the University of New England where he lectured in both philosophy and psychology for a number of years.