ANZSOG alumni, board member awarded Public Service Medals in 2021 Australia Day Honours
1 February 2021
● News and media
Four ANZSOG alumni and one Board member have been recognised for their contribution to the community and commitment to excellence in the 2021 Australia Day Honours Awards. The four each received a Public Service Medal (PSM), which is awarded to 100 public servants each year, for outstanding service by Commonwealth, state, territory or local government public servants.
ANZSOG Dean and CEO Professor Ken Smith said that the Australia Day Honours were a chance to recognise the contribution of people from across society and recognise the often-overlooked role played by public servants in developing and implementing policies that benefited all Australians.
“Even more than usual, the events of 2020 have shown the vital need for excellence in public services as Australia and New Zealand battled the challenge of COVID-19. As in past years, our alumni have been recognised for the professionalism and dedication they have shown,” he said.
Jennifer Wilkinson (Commonwealth – Executive Fellows Program 2011): For outstanding public service in the development of fiscal policy, particularly in the formulation of the federal government’s economic response to COVID-19.
As a key architect of the JobKeeper program, Ms Wilkinson led highly innovative work, collaborating with the best of the Australian Public Service and the private sector to deliver a program designed to provide crucial financial support to more than 3.5 million Australians to maintain their employment during COVID-19.
Lynn Glover (Victoria – Executive Fellows Program 2019): For outstanding public service to education and training in Victoria.
Ms Glover, in her role as the inaugural CEO of the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA), was instrumental in the establishment and development of the regulatory authority’s form and functions.
Dr David Howes (Victoria – Executive Master of Public Administration 2004) For outstanding public service to education in Victoria, including during the 2019/20 Victorian bushfires.
During his more than 33 year career, Dr Howes has undertaken a range of positions including as a teacher, researcher, administrator and system leader, and has led key change strategies in curriculum, assessment and student learning.
Nicholas Egan (Western Australia – EMPA 2010) For outstanding public service as State Solicitor of WA.
Mr Egan has significant experience in providing advice on complex legal matters and is currently playing a lead role in advising on, negotiating, and resolving those brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professor Smith said that the recognition of ANZSOG alumni demonstrated the positive impact of a high-quality independent public service on the community, especially in times of crisis.
Jodie Ryan (CEO of the Chief Minister’s Department of the Northern Territory, and an ANZSOG Board member) for outstanding public service to the community of the NT through a range of roles.
In 2016, Ms Ryan became the first female to be appointed as CEO of the Department of the Chief Minister, and most recently steered the NT government and public service through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Find out more about ANZSOG alumni at the ANZSOG website.