Ken Davies, the NT’s top public servant, retires after almost five decades

The Territory’s top public servant is in the last few weeks at work after his retirement was announced. See who’ll replace him.

After 47 years with the Northern Territory public service, outgoing Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet chief executive Ken Davies said the past six-months had been among the most satisfying of his storeyed career.

Speaking soon after his retirement was announced by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro on Tuesday, Mr Davies, who began his Territory public service career as a teacher at Papunya,

said the most recent reorganisation to the machinery of government was the most substantial in a decade.

Mr Davies was appointed Department of Chief Minister chief executive in October 2023 by then chief minister Natasha Fyles and remained in the post after August’s change of government to assist with the new administration’s transition.

Ken Davies and Lia Finocchiaro

“In terms of the machinery of government changes, it’s been the biggest reorganisation of agencies for a decade or so and was done to meet the priorities of the new government,” Mr Davies said.

“The chief minister was really fabulous in that space. Working with her we’ve managed to get to the point where the public service is well structured to deliver on government’s priorities.

“The challenge ahead now is to focus on the economy.”

Mr Davies said the “privilege” of his career was working in the Northern Territory.

“I’ve lived in Tennant Creek, Katherine and lived in Alice Springs and remote,” he said.

“It’s been a fabulous journey with great people and everybody generally having a go.

“From my perspective when you look back on it, it’s been a place where there are a lot of opportunities and lessons learnt and I am very happy to be handing over to a new generation of public servants working with the new government. My role now is to get out of the way and see how it unfolds.”

Luccio Cercarelli

Mr Davies’ last day at work will be February 3.

Ms Finocchiaro applauded his almost five-decade contribution to the Territory and NTPS which included a public service medal in 2020.

“In 2023, Ken was appointed as the Territory’s top public servant and recently oversaw the effective transition to a new government,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

“His leadership over nearly half a century has delivered significant economic and social policy reforms in every agency he served.

“Ken embodies the principles of impartial, frank, and fearless public service. He has always upheld the highest professional standards, demonstrating strategic vision, integrity, and a commitment to making the right decisions, even when they are the hard ones.”

Mrs Finocchiaro expressed her gratitude for his leadership during the government transition.

“I thank Ken for his hard work from day one as we charted a new course for the Territory,” she said.

“After nearly half a century of service, I hope he can now focus on catching that elusive Million Dollar Barra. I wish Ken, Bernie, and their family all the very best for the future.”

Mr Davies will be replaced by Luccio Cercarelli, currently chief executive of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development.

Mr Davies said he would continue to live in Darwin post retirement.