Jenny Gale named new secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet

THE most powerful public service role in Tasmania has been filled.

Newly appointed Department of Premier and Cabinet secretary Jenny Gale, left, with outgoing DPAC chief Greg Johannes. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

FORMER Education Department chief Jenny Gale has been permanently appointed as the state’s top public servant.

Ms Gale has been named secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet after spending four months acting in the role.

She replaces Greg Johannes, who resigned from his $530,000-a-year job in November.

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“Ms Gale has outstanding leadership credentials and experience, having worked in a number of senior leadership roles in her 37-year career,” Premier Will Hodgman said.

The first woman to lead the public service in more than a decade, Ms Gale is a former secretary of the Department of Education and chief of staff to the deputy premier.

She told staff in an email that implementing the new government’s agenda would be a challenge.

“At the same time as we support each other through this challenge, I’m keen to further explore how we work in DPAC, with each other and across the state service and beyond.

“This means thinking about how we might be able to continue to improve our services and advice, while also ensuring that DPAC offers a diverse and rewarding work environment for its staff.”

DPAC is the central public service agency managing the machinery of the State Government.

Acting secretary of the Education Department Tim Bullard has also been appointed permanently.

Former Australian Securities and Investments Commission executive Kathrine Morgan-Wicks replaces Simon Overland as secretary of the Department of Justice.