The Albanese Government intends to recommend to the Governor‑General that he appoint Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM as the next Australian Public Service Commissioner, for a five year term commencing on 11 May 2023.
This follows a merit-based selection process chaired by Ms Katherine Jones PSM, Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department.
Dr de Brouwer is currently Secretary for Public Sector Reform and has over 35 years of leadership experience in public policy. This appointment comes at a critical juncture for the Australian Public Service (APS) as the Government implements an ambitious APS Reform agenda, led by the Minister for the Public Service, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher.
As APS Commissioner, Dr de Brouwer will continue his work to build a stronger Australian public sector that delivers better outcomes for the community, acts as a model employer and contributes to a fairer and more inclusive Australia.
Dr de Brouwer has served as Secretary of the then Department of the Environment and Energy, and in senior roles at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Treasury, the Australian National University and the Reserve Bank of Australia. He has also conducted numerous reviews for government, including as a member of the Thodey Review panel on reform of the APS in 2018.
Dr de Brouwer was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2011 for outstanding public service in the development of international economic policy, in particular his work to progress Australia’s agenda at the G20.
Mr Peter Woolcott AO retires from the office of APS Commissioner on 10 May 2023. We thank Mr Woolcott for his significant contribution to the APS - and the Australian people - over his four decades of public service.