Senior Public Servants Take Charge During Summer Holidays
For most Australians, the summer holidays are a time to relax and unwind, but for the nation's most ambitious public servants, it's an opportunity to step into the spotlight. While many were at the beach, a select group of senior officials took on acting roles in key departments, potentially positioning themselves for future leadership positions.
Finance and Veterans Affairs Leadership Changes
At the Department of Finance, deputy secretary Simon Newnham assumed responsibility during January while secretary Matthew Yannopoulos was on leave. Richard Windeyer also led the department for part of December. Several first assistant secretaries, including Glen Casson, Shannon Frazer, Stephen Sorbello, Natasha Cole, John Shepherd, Nick McClintock and Andrew Danks, acted as deputies during this period.
Over at the Department of Veterans Affairs, deputy secretary Andrew Kefford acted in the top role from December 4 to 12 while secretary Alison Frame was away. This temporary leadership provided valuable experience for these senior officials.
Taxation Office and Attorney-General's Department
The Australian Taxation Office saw significant movement over the Christmas period. Jeremy Hirschhorn acted as commissioner of taxation for almost a month, from December 29 to January 26. Emma Rosenzweig served as second commissioner for most of that time, with Fiona Dillon also filling in for 10 days. Elissa Walker took on the chief information officer role from mid-January until February 6, while Brad Chapman acted as chief operating officer for about a week.
In the Attorney-General's department, chief operating officer Cameron Gifford was in charge for just one day while secretary Katherine Jones took brief leave. This demonstrates how even short absences require careful planning in government departments.
Treasury and Prime Minister's Department
James Kelly, usually deputy secretary of markets group, acted as Treasury secretary for three weeks from December 15 to January 12 while Jenny Wilkinson was on leave. This temporary promotion gave him valuable experience at the highest levels of economic policy.
At the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, secretary Steven Kennedy was away from January 2 to 13. Deputy Blair Exell took charge during that time, with first assistant secretary Greta Doherty filling in for Mr Exell when needed.
Services Australia and Home Affairs
Services Australia's chief customer officer Jonathon Thorpe acted as chief executive officer for three weeks, gaining crucial experience in one of the government's largest service delivery agencies. Meanwhile, Home Affairs secretary Stephanie Foster did not take any leave over December or January, showing consistent leadership during the holiday period.
Climate Change and Industry Departments
Department of Climate Change secretary Mike Kaiser was on leave from December 22 to January 5, with deputy secretary Luise McCulloch acting in his role during that time. Amanda Lee filled in as deputy secretary, creating a chain of temporary promotions.
At the Department of Industry, secretary Meghan Quinn took leave from December 1 to January 12. Helen Wilson and Robert Jeremenko shared acting responsibilities during her absence, demonstrating how complex departments manage leadership transitions.
Workplace Relations and Agriculture
Tania Rishniw has been acting as Department of Workplace Relations secretary since December 2025 and is understood to have worked over Christmas. This extended acting appointment shows confidence in her leadership abilities.
The Department of Agriculture's new secretary Victoria Anderson began on December 8 and was present over Christmas, while Justine Saunders acted in the role for five days in January. This smooth transition reflects careful planning in departmental leadership.
New Appointments and Departures
The Australian Federal Police has appointed Hilda Sirec as the new deputy commissioner of national security, replacing now-Commissioner Krissy Barrett. Sirec brings extensive expertise in terrorism investigation, organised crime, global operations, child protection, human trafficking and people smuggling.
Several departments, including Foreign Affairs and Health, declined to comment on routine acting arrangements, highlighting the sensitive nature of leadership transitions in government.
Notable Career Moves
Former Department of Agriculture secretary Adam Fennessy, who received a substantial payout after his contract was terminated, has become the interim early childhood regulator for Victoria. Former Department of Workplace Relations secretary Natalie James formally concluded her role on January 18, more than a year earlier than expected.
Kevin Rudd has stepped down as Australian ambassador to the United States, with Defence boss Greg Moriarty set to replace him. Australian Public Service Commissioner Gordon de Brouwer has announced his early resignation, just over two years into his five-year term, with his replacement yet to be announced.
These summer acting arrangements provide valuable insights into the leadership pipeline of the Australian Public Service, revealing who might be next in line for permanent secretary roles and how departments manage continuity during holiday periods.
