Professor Gary Sturgess AM to leave ANZSOG after 11 years of service

After 11 years as the NSW Premier’s ANZSOG Chair of Public Service Delivery, and honorary professorial position at the University of NSW, Gary Sturgess AM has stepped down from his research and leadership role at ANZSOG.

ANZSOG Dean and CEO Ken Smith said that Gary had played a key role at ANZSOG, working closely with the NSW Government and being actively engaged in ANZSOG’s teaching and research programs.

“Gary has brought his broad and unique experience to his roles at ANZSOG. His research and teaching has had a strong focus on ethics and anti-corruption, management, leadership, policy and service delivery, particularly in the area of justice, prisons and front-line management of services,” Professor Smith said.

“Throughout his time with ANZSOG, Gary has retained close contacts with the NSW Government and has periodically been engaged to consult with and advise various government departments.

“In recognition of his contribution to ANZSOG and his outstanding record of public sector leadership more generally across Australia, Gary has been appointed a Distinguished Fellow of ANZSOG.”

Prior to joining ANZSOG, Gary spent 10 years in the UK where he was head of a research institute founded by the international public service company, Serco Group plc.

In the early 1990s, Gary was the inaugural Director-General of the NSW Cabinet Office in the Greiner government, and among other significant contributions, was the architect of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption – the precursor to similar bodies in other states.

From 1990, he was heavily involved in the “new federalism” agenda, initiated by Prime Minister Bob Hawke and Premier Greiner. He led the team of NSW officials at a series of Special Premiers Conferences that produced new policies such as the National Competition Policy, the National Electricity Market, mutual recognition of state regulations, and, ultimately, the formation of the Council of Australian Governments. He was awarded membership of the Order of Australia in January 2005, for services to government

“We wish Gary all the very best in the next phase of his career and family life. He will be missed by his friends and colleagues at ANZSOG, and particularly in the Sydney office,” Professor Smith said.