Premier praises retiring MLC, new Education secretary announced, Metro CEO to depart

A Legislative Councillor is retiring, the Education Department has gained a permanent secretary and the Metro CEO is departing in a series of changes to senior roles in Tasmanian public life this week.

Tasmania's former Department of Justice secretary Ginna Webster. Picture: Department of Premier and Cabinet

A Legislative Councillor is retiring, the Education Department has gained a permanent secretary and the Metro CEO is departing in a series of changes to senior roles in Tasmanian public life this week.

The Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Leonie Hiscutt has marked her last day in the Tasmanian Parliament on Thursday.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff paid tribute to the Liberal member for Montgomery, who has served the electorate since 2013.

“Leonie has spent the last decade fighting for and championing her region,” the Premier said.

“Appointed as Leader of Government Business in the Legislative Council in 2017, Leonie has been an outstanding Leader – managing the complexities that we often find in the Upper House with grace and at all times engaging respectfully with her colleagues.

“Leonie has excelled in the role, with the Government the beneficiary of her work ethic and good nature – that has resulted in complex legislation being passed through the Parliament.

Ms Hiscutt will retire as the longest-serving female leader in Tasmania’s Legislative Council history.

Independent candidate for Montgomery Casey Hiscutt and his mother and incumbent member for the seat, Leonie Hiscutt, who has been accused of actively campaigning for her son to replace her over the preselected Liberal candidate. Picture: Supplied

In her final speech, Ms Hiscutt said that her greatest joy came from helping constituents.

“When someone walks into your office and just does not know who or what they need to fix a particular problem, I am able to get the help that they need, or at least put them in the right direction, or connect them to the right people,” she said.

“Some people just need an ear to listen to them. Sometimes, a discussion goes a long way.”

The state government on Thursday announced the appointment of Ginna Webster as the Secretary of the Department for Education, Children and Young People on a three-year contract.

The former Department of Justice Secretary was one of the key witness at the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.

She retired in July last year and has been acting secretary at DECYP since September.

“Ms Webster is a passionate advocate for improving opportunities for children and young people in Tasmania,” Education Minister Jo Palmer said.

“Ms Webster will oversee the Tasmanian Government’s significant reform program, including our Lifting Literacy plan and implementing recommendations from the Independent Review of Education in Tasmania,” she said.

Metro CEO Katie Cooper speaks to the media at Glenorchy on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

And Metro’s CEO Katie Cooper has announced she will not be seeking contract renewal later this year after five years in the role.

In an internal notice issued to Metro employees, Metro’s board chair Tony Braxton-Smith stated Ms Cooper will not be continuing in the role and stated he would appreciate support from employees in this transition period.

“There will be a later opportunity to recognise Katie’s achievements as CEO, but at this time, I would like to acknowledge her commitment and dedication over the last five years, and her capable navigation of the organisation through the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Braxton-Smith said in a statement.

“In behalf of the Board, we thank Katie for her efforts and wish her well in her future endeavours.”

Mr Braxton-Smith said a recruitment process would now commence.

Ms Cooper formally worked in various transport roles, including at both Melbourne and Newcastle Airport and working as head of security at London’s Stansted Airport.

The government is considering privatising Metro.

Originally published as Premier praises retiring MLC, new Education secretary announced, Metro CEO to depart