PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM) Australian Public Service Mr Graham AKROYD, Golden Grove SA 5125 For outstanding public service in the defence field of weapon/missile computational and simulation development. Through his work over many years, Mr Akroyd has developed world leading software applications to simulate, analyse, compare and predict weapons behaviour. He has reduced the cost and time when testing new munitions through his modelling and analysis tool. This was particularly evident with the recent introduction of the Joint Air-Surface Standoff Missile where it would have been expected to undertake approximately 10 weapon release missions as part of the test program. With Mr Akroyd's developed software, the required number of missions was ultimately reduced to just four, not only saving tens of millions of dollars but also resulting in a reduction in associated time, risk and other resources. Mr Akroyd's expertise also flows into the certification of new airborne countermeasures, such as flares for use on aircraft where his modelling tool negates the need for any flight tests, again saving considerable time and money and permitting early operational status for these aircraft. Mr Akroyd is considered a world-leading expert in his field. Ms Amanda Jane CATTERMOLE, ACT For outstanding public service in leading reform of the provision of housing for Indigenous people in remote communities and the National Gambling Reform Laws. Ms Cattermole is a Group Manager in the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (currently on secondment to the Treasury), and has shown outstanding leadership and direction in the role she played in the establishment of the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing (NPARIH) and the Government's National Gambling Reform Laws. The significant reform in the provision of housing for Indigenous people in remote communities commenced in January 2009 and should provide substantial funding of $5.5 billion over the next 10 years - the largest ever investment for remote Indigenous housing. The NPARIH has already had a tangible and significant impact on many Indigenous families and communities and will continue to do so over the life of the agreement. Through the agreement, over 9,000 remote Indigenous families will be assisted with access to new or improved housing. Ms Cattermole was also responsible for overseeing the drafting of the exposure draft of the National Gambling Reform Laws which formed the basis of the final legislation, and its introduction in February 2012 required significant skills and qualities that were crucial to enable the success of this legislation. PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM) Mr Ian Ross DEANE, Narrabundah ACT 2604 For outstanding public service in providing legal advice and other assistance to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Mr Deane is Special Counsel for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Although employed by the Australian Government Solicitor, he has worked exclusively for the DIAC since 2001. His role involves the provision of high level strategic legal advice to the DIAC, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and a range of other Commonwealth agencies on immigration law and related legal matters. He has consistently provided high quality legal advice on a broad range of highly sensitive legal matters to the Minister and the DIAC including involvement in all of the major legal cases and legislation relating to the Immigration portfolio. Mr Deane's outstanding service relates to the high quality of his legal advice and the consistency with which it has been provided, despite the complexity, volume and sensitivity of the subject matter. His work was pivotal to the Department's ability to implement many of the recommendations of the Report of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers that was released in August 2012. Mrs Helen Elaine FERGUSON, 102 Duff Street, Broken Hill NSW 2880 For outstanding public service as a social worker for the Department of Human Services in rural and remote communities. Ms Ferguson is an exceptional Social Worker based at Broken Hill for the Department of Human Services, and has worked for the Department for over 28 years. Her outstanding achievements and contribution to both the Department and to rural and remote communities exemplify the highest ideals of the Public Service. Ms Ferguson's genuine interest in and empathy for people as well as her passion and commitment to providing assistance and solutions for people in difficult situations contribute to her success as an outstanding Social Worker. Ms Ferguson understands the issues that these communities face and this is evident in her numerous achievements aimed at improving the information and access to Department services for rural and remote customers. Her achievements have been highly valued and appreciated by many people and organisations throughout the area. PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM) Mr Paul FOLEY, Australian Embassy, Tehran, Iran For outstanding public service to international relations as Australia's Ambassador to Afghanistan from 2010 to 2012. Mr Foley served as Australia's Ambassador to Afghanistan from January 2010 to October 2012. His work in Afghanistan was part of his outstanding service to international relations for over 29 years in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), including as Australian Ambassador to East Timor; Assistant Secretary, Middle East and Africa Branch; and as Assistant Secretary, Counter Terrorism Branch. He was also embedded with the Australian Defence Force in Dili as adviser to the Commander from May to September 2006 during the civil crisis in that country. As Ambassador to Afghanistan, Mr Foley demonstrated strong leadership of Australia's whole-of-government contribution to the international community's efforts in Afghanistan and in building Australia's bilateral relationship with Afghanistan. In a complex and high threat security environment, Mr Foley managed a significant increase in Australia's diplomatic presence in Kabul, with particular responsibility and care for the safety and welfare of staff. Ms Denise HODGSON, Fennell Bay NSW 2283 For outstanding public service in the role of Multicultural Service Officer for the Department of Human Services within the Mid Coast NSW Zone. Ms Hodgson's outstanding achievements and contribution to both the Department of Human Services and the community exemplify the highest ideals of the Public Service. Her genuine interest in and empathy for people as well as her passion and commitment to providing assistance and solutions for people in difficult situations contribute to her outstanding success as a Multicultural Service Officer and as an equally valuable Harassment Contact Officer within the Newcastle area. Ms Hodgson is the ultimate professional, with a passion for public service and the welfare and social inclusion aims of government within the Mid Coast area of New South Wales. She has a personal interest in the settlement issues facing newly arrived refugees. With over 17 years' experience in service delivery, Ms Hodgson understands the issues that the refugee community faces, and this is especially evident in her work with a range of community organisations in improving the information and access to Department services for newly arrived refugees. PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM) Dr Doug Cromar KEAN, Campbell ACT 2612 For outstanding public service in contributing to the understanding of Australia's strategic interests and the international environment. Dr Kean is the Assistant Director-General within the Strategic Analysis Branch of the Office of National Assessments, and his work has been instrumental in developing both the discipline and doctrine of strategic analysis in the Australian national security community. He has provided a vital analytical contribution to the work of the agency in enabling government to better understand the multi-faceted dimensions of global issues facing Australia. His outstanding leadership has resulted in better focused and strategic assessments on a range of areas of importance. His work has informed Ministers and policy makers and has influenced better policy-making. His sharp mind and strategic focus have ensured that Australia's interests have remained at the centre of our assessments. Dr Kean has worked with some of Australia's closest allies and this has had untold benefits to the agency and the wider Australian Intelligence Community. His efforts have also ensured that Australia's interests feature in the mind of other agencies abroad to support greater information sharing. Ms Patricia Margaret KELLY, Hawker ACT 2614 For outstanding public service in leading the promotion and implementation of higher levels of innovation in the Australian Public Service and for her leadership of the Australian Government's bid to host the international Square Kilometre Array facility. As Deputy Secretary in the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, Ms Kelly was responsible for all aspects of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project. These included coordinating the Australia-New Zealand bid; international negotiations with the SKA office in Manchester in the United Kingdom and with all potential member countries; managing relationships with partners - the New Zealand and Western Australian governments, and the CSIRO; and dealing with the considerable complexities arising from the competing demands for radio quiet and the requirements of the mining sector in Western Australia; and the rights of Native Title claimants. Ms Kelly chaired the Australia/New Zealand SKA Coordination Committee and, as such, became the face' of the Australian bid. Since May 2009, Ms Kelly has led work on promoting innovation across government in its day-to-day operations. Most notably, she chaired the Management Advisory Committee process that produced the report Empowering Change: Fostering Innovation in the Australian Public Service which identified major barriers to innovation, and the APS 200 Project team responsible for implementing these reforms. PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM) Ms Renée Elmina LEON, ACT For outstanding public service to public administration and law in leadership roles in the Australian Capital Territory and the Commonwealth. Ms Leon is Deputy Secretary, Governance, in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. She was formerly Deputy Secretary in the Attorney-General's Department with responsibility for the Strategic Policy and Coordination Group, and previously Chief Executive of the ACT Department of Justice and Community Safety. Ms Leon has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout her public sector career. In her current role, Ms Leon is responsible for providing advice and support on machinery of government and public sector governance across the Australian Public Service, and leads the Department's advice and support for Cabinet processes, the Government's legislation program, parliamentary matters, ministerial arrangements and legal and constitutional matters. During her work in the Attorney- General's Department, her representation of Australia internationally in leading the development of international conventions dealing with transport terrorism after the events of 11 September 2001 in New York has brought considerable credit to Australia. Her work has also become a precedent for the development of international conventions dealing with other forms of transport terrorism. Ms Leon's notable achievements at the ACT Department of Justice and Community Safety relate to promoting and protecting the rights of the vulnerable in the community and include introducing the first statutory charter of human rights in Australia, establishing the ACT Human Rights Commission, delivering an integrated service for victims of crime, and leading law reform in the areas of sexual assault and domestic violence, civil partnerships and consent to medical treatment. Ms Leon has also made a substantial contribution to the community as the founding convenor of the Women's Legal Centre and as a former Chair of the Welfare Rights and Legal Centre in Canberra. Mr Charles Andrew MASKELL-KNIGHT, Phillip ACT 2606 For outstanding public service to policy across many aspects of health and Commonwealth/State relations. Mr Maskell-Knight has worked to the highest standards of the public service in various roles within the Department of Health and Ageing for many years. His talent, integrity and personal drive have produced a number of landmark policies in the administration of health in Australia. The benefits of these various policies are being felt by all Australians as consumers of the nation's health system, and should continue to be felt with escalating effect for many years to come. His strong leadership, strategic thinking, ability to grasp extremely complex issues, negotiating skills, determination in the face of difficulties, and outstanding understanding of the health system and health policy environment were crucial to the development of the National Health Reform. PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM) Ms Rona Louise MELLOR, Reid ACT 2612 For outstanding public service in the development and implementation of bio-security, taxation and health system policies and projects. Over her distinguished career in the Australian Public Service, Ms Mellor has successfully led the design and implementation of a range of regulatory and service delivery systems in support of Australia's bio-security, taxation and health systems. Her particular strength has been in engaging with stakeholders to co-design solutions. Through engagement within government, across the community and with industry, she has successfully delivered solutions that have resulted in streamlined government interactions with stakeholders including reduced regulatory and administrative costs, connected services across agencies and jurisdictions, and improved accessibility to government services for the community. Ms Mellor has led the way in developing capability in client-based administrative design within the Australian public sector. Ms Lyn O'CONNELL, Reid ACT 2612 For outstanding public service in the development of national transport reforms. Ms O'Connell is a Deputy Secretary in the Department of Infrastructure and Transport and has taken the lead role in negotiating three national transport reforms and in developing the legislation for the national regulators. In 2009, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) took the historic decision to establish national regulators and national legislation for all rail safety, maritime and heavy vehicle operations in Australia; thereby providing a single national regulatory regime for heavy surface transport operations across Australia. As a result, Ms O'Connell chaired the negotiations for three inter-government agreements which were formalised by the COAG in 2011 to bring into effect the national agreement on the structure, operations and funding of these reforms. Ms O'Connell also drove the development of the implementation arrangements for the drafting of the legislation and the establishment of the three regulators, which built the basis of the national bodies that are now in place. Ms O'Connell has shown considerable personal skills and commitment in leading and delivering this agenda. With the transport regulatory reforms now being finalised, Australia should have a single and best practice regulatory system for heavy vehicle, maritime and rail safety. Ms O'Connell's personal involvement was critical to the achievement of these national reforms. PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM) Mr Nigel Richard RAY, Queanbeyan NSW 2620 For outstanding public service through contributing to economic policy and the Australian Government's fiscal strategy in response to the Global Financial Crisis. Mr Ray has demonstrated outstanding service to the Australian community and to the Australian Government through his sustained contribution to economic policy over many years and, most recently, his oversight of Australian fiscal strategy during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and of the Government's reforms to Commonwealth/State relations. He has been with the Treasury since 1988 having previously worked for the Office of National Assessments. He has contributed to Australia's economic policy across a broad range of fields including tax and revenue forecasting, financial system stability and fiscal policy. He is a major contributor to the development of tax policy and revenue forecasting as an analyst and manager, and he has played a role in the reforms to broaden the foreign income tax base. Mr Ray's outstanding leadership and strategic approach played an enormous part in how Australia dealt with the GFC and his involvement markedly helped to restore the fiscal position and flexibility, particularly in the medium term. Mr Timothy Emmanuel SPITERI, Australian High Commission, Australia House, Strand, London, United Kingdom For outstanding public service in support of Australia's diplomatic and military efforts in Afghanistan. Mr Spiteri has exemplified outstanding public service through his contribution to Australia's diplomatic and military relationships in Afghanistan. His dedication to providing timely and accurate advice to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has, on a number of occasions, contributed significantly to the safety of serving personnel. His previous career experience with both the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force has ensured a strong understanding and capacity to meet ADF requirements. His knowledge and collegiate approach have proven to be significant resources to the Australian Government's diplomatic support to military in Afghanistan. His outstanding interpersonal skills, vigour and commitment to success are held in the highest regard across portfolios. His personal determination and sustained effort, often outside his role and level of responsibility, have set an outstanding example of commitment to service. PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM) Ms Ann Margaret STEWARD, Ainslie ACT 2602 For outstanding public service through the development of central coordinated Information and Communications Technology programs in government as the Australian Government Chief Information Officer and head of the Australian Government Information Management Office. For over 20 years Ms Steward was pivotal in the central coordinated Information and Communications Technology (ICT) programs in government. Her work during the first era of policy focus on the strategic role of ICT in Government included the creation of the ICT Acquisition Council, OSI and Open Interoperability Standards, workforce classification and structure for ICT professionals in the APS, and leading the secretariat that resulted in the formation of the first whole-of-government office on information technology. On exchange to the UK Government's Cabinet Office from 1998 to 2002, she led policy development across the Office, with particular emphasis on transforming government and/or e-government. In 2005, Ms Steward was appointed as the Australian Government's Chief Information Officer and head of the Australian Government Information Management Office, a position she held for 7 years until her recent retirement. She led substantial major whole-of-government ICT reforms that profoundly improved the way ICT allows Government to operate more efficiently and enable better service delivery to citizens. New South Wales Mr Kenneth Henry CRAIG, 9 Pacific Avenue, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 For outstanding public service, particularly as the Northern Regional Manager of the Aboriginal Housing Office in New South Wales. Mr Craig has served in the NSW public sector for over 31 years through the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and the Department of Housing. Since 2002, he has been the Northern Regional Manager of the Aboriginal Housing Office where he leads his team to improve housing outcomes for people living in Aboriginal community housing - a sector that has been characterised by overcrowding, housing shortages, reduced rent collection and the substandard condition of some dwellings. Mr Craig is responsible for the Aboriginal Housing Office's Build and Grow' program across northern New South Wales. This program aims to improve Aboriginal living standards by building the capacity of well performing providers so that they may take over property management of the poorly performing providers. Over the years, Mr Craig has developed and maintained strong relationships with various stakeholders, enabling him to provide sound advice to the Aboriginal Housing Office and other agencies and Departments as required. He is determined to improve the lives of Aboriginal people through the provision of better housing options, and he performs his duties with commitment and cultural sensitivity. His support has enabled the Aboriginal Housing Office to achieve many positive outcomes for the local communities. Mr Craig always shows a willingness to work in partnership with local Aboriginal Land Councils and other Aboriginal housing providers to achieve the best outcomes for the area. He is approachable and has solid understanding of the sector. PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM) Mr George Wheatley GATES, 43 Mittabah Road, Hornsby NSW 2077 For outstanding public service, particularly in the area of water management in New South Wales. Mr Gates is an experienced hydrogeologist and has worked in various specialist fields including groundwater pollution, groundwater in mines, and salinisation for over 40 years. The allocation and management of water continues to be a vital issue for the community and, as a result, Mr Gates has developed and implemented a price tender system to sell and auction unassigned groundwater entitlements. This innovative system has been adopted in New South Wales and is being trialled by other states. Mr Gates acts with the highest level of personal integrity and his extensive experience makes him a trusted adviser on groundwater management. His work has enabled an extensive understanding of groundwater systems, the identification of groundwater dependent ecosystems and the interaction with surface water courses. Mr Gates is an excellent manager and mentor and his willingness to share his knowledge and encourage the career goals of young people is admirable. He has participated in succession planning initiatives to transfer his extensive knowledge and experience to others, and he contributes regularly as a lecturer to the Australian Groundwater School. He also has extensive leadership experience, serving as Chairman of the State Groundwater Panel, President of the NSW Branch of the International Association of Hydrogeologists, Chair of the National Groundwater Working Group, and represents New South Wales on the Great Artesian Basin Coordinating Committee. The contribution Mr Gates has made to the water industry and to the understanding of the importance of this natural resource has been extensive and has helped to place New South Wales at the forefront of water management. Mr Scott Robert GRIFFITHS, Orange NSW 2800 For outstanding public service, particularly as Regional Director, Western Region of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, and as Regional Executive Director, Department of Family and Community Services, in New South Wales. Before his recent retirement, Mr Griffiths served with distinction in the NSW public sector for over 40 years in several departments including Health, Juvenile Justice and Family and Community Services. After working in Sydney and then relocating to Dubbo, Mr Griffiths eventually became the Regional Director Western Region, Department of Juvenile Justice where he was responsible for managing three detention centres and other community-based services throughout western New South Wales. In early 2006, he was appointed as Regional Director, Western Region of Ageing, Disability and Home Care where he was responsible for more than 1,500 staff working in early intervention, community support and accommodation services for people with a disability, as well as overseeing the delivery of home care services throughout western New South Wales. While appointed as Regional Director, Western Region of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Mr Griffiths also became the Regional Executive Director, Department of Family and Community Services, where he led a number of projects as part of a longer term transition to an integrated department. Mr Griffiths sat on numerous boards and committees, devoting his career to improving the lives of those less fortunate in the community, particularly in rural and regional New South Wales. He endeavoured to ensure that the principles of social justice and inclusion were considered in relation to service delivery and community consultation across the Western Region. Mr Griffiths is well respected, and his vast experience and wisdom were valued not only by senior members of the NSW Government but also by Commonwealth Government agencies. PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM) Mrs Margaret Anne HUNTER, North Parramatta NSW 2151 For outstanding public service, particularly to public education in New South Wales. In 1995, Ms Hunter was appointed as the Community Liaison Officer at the Bidwill and Mount Druitt High Schools where she made a significant contribution to the Disadvantaged Schools Program. In this role she worked on projects and resources to assist parents in supporting their children's learning, literacy and numeracy skills. In her current role as NSW Coordinator, Partnerships Development, Ms Hunter has earned an excellent reputation for developing high quality resources and training methods for consultants and school communities. Her involvement in the creation of a working paper, Developing Home, School and Community Partnerships, was outstanding and highly regarded in the sector. This contribution influenced the ongoing work of the Family, School and Community Partnerships Bureau, of which she is a valued member. She is highly regarded nationally for her work in the Bureau and for her commitment to the inclusion of stakeholders in the various programs. In 2004, Ms Hunter initiated the highly innovative program Holiday Reading is Rad', which encouraged students in low socioeconomic status primary schools to continue reading over the end-of-year break. The enormous success of this program can be attributed to Ms Hunter's positive engagement with numerous schools, parents and magazine publishers. In 2011, Ms Hunter was chosen to lead a team in the development of a resource for the Parental Engagement Taskforce, Low SES Smarter Schools National Partnerships under the auspices of the Ministerial Council on Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs. Her highly regarded reputation and professional expertise in this area, combined with her wealth of knowledge about providing support to communities, ensured the task was a great success and the resource is now nationally recognised. Dr Peter John KENNEDY, Annandale NSW 2038 For outstanding public service to the public health system in New South Wales, particularly as Deputy Chief Executive, Clinical Excellence Commission. Dr Kennedy has served the public health system in New South Wales over many years in a variety of roles. As an Area Geriatrician for the Central Sydney Area Health Service and Head of the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Royal Prince Alfred and Balmain Hospitals, he successfully worked to develop comprehensive Aged Care Services with acute, rehabilitation, ambulatory and community arms. Dr Kennedy has also been active in teaching medical students, and has taken part in the training of interns, resident medical officers and registrars as well as allied health and nursing staff. In his current role as Deputy Chief Executive, Clinical Excellence Commission, he leads the development and implementation of strategic business plans to advance patient safety and quality of clinical care. He is dedicated to achieving excellence within the Commission and is always open and honest with staff, constantly reviewing their performance to ensure effective and efficient public service. Dr Kennedy took over the leadership of the Quality Systems Assessment upon its introduction in 2007. This self-assessment program is based on a risk management framework which aims to evaluate the systems and processes organisations have in place to control risk to patient safety. His outstanding leadership was instrumental in ensuring the successful establishment of the program. In addition, the Commission has the responsibility of managing the NSW Falls Prevention Program, which is focused on reducing the incidence and severity of falls in the aged and the impact of these falls on families, carers and the community. Dr Kennedy's clinical skills and leadership have benefited thousands of patients and the community.