2012 WA Honours & Public Service Medal Recipients
27 January 2012
Institute Patron and Governor of Western Australia His Excellency Malcolm James McCusker AO CVO QC, has received the highest honour possible in the Australia Day Honours list, being appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia.
For eminent service to the people of Western Australia, particularly through the provision of equitable access to legal representation, as an advocate for sustainable development and education, and through significant philanthropic support for a range of medical research, youth and arts organisations.
Two West Australian's were also honoured with a Public Service Medal (PSM) this Australia Day. The PSM is part of the official Australian system of honours and awards, and was established to recognise employees of the Australian Government and state, territory and local governments who have given outstanding service.
Committees meet twice a year to consider nominations for the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday honours lists.
Congratulations to the following Western Australian PSM recipients:
Mr Peter John MITCHELL
For outstanding public service, particularly as the Sheriff of Western Australia.
Mr Mitchell is a dedicated public servant who is committed to ensuring that members of the public in contact with the justice system have access to the highest quality services. As the Sheriff of Western Australia, he was responsible for the provision of jury services, enforcement services for court judgements and orders and collection of revenue through the Fines Enforcement Registry. During this time he dealt with members of the public, a variety of local, state and commonwealth government agencies and was able to create strong co-operation across a wide range of state and Commonwealth agencies to generate practical solutions to improving and enhancing the Department's service delivery arrangements. Mr Mitchell was directly instrumental in implementing significant improvements to the delivery of bailiff services, enhancing provisions for jury service and allowing welfare recipients to utilise Centrepay to repay outstanding fines and infringements. In doing so, he led his team in a skilled and effective manner while showing innovation in developing practical solutions to complex issues of importance to the Department and Government. Mr Mitchell progresses matters in a quiet and considered manner based on a strong enthusiasm for public service that encourages people to engage with the justice system rather than becoming alienated from it. This focus on community and a clear desire to carry out his duties to the best of his abilities at all times has created a high level of respect not only from his peers within the Department but also with a wide cross-section of people from outside the agency.
Dr Shayne SILCOX
For outstanding public service, particularly to local government in Western Australia.
Dr Silcox has served local governments in Western Australia for many years. Not only is he a dedicated, active and highly respected servant, but also he has always sought out roles as a local government sector advocate and representative. Dr Silcox has been actively involved with the Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) Board and is the current Deputy President. In this role, Dr Silcox has represented his peers and the local government sector in dealings with Government Ministers and on key working groups that shape the future direction of the structure and operations of local governments in Western Australia. Dr Silcox is also an active and important member of the Western Australian Local Government Association's Finance and Services Committee. Of particular note, Dr Silcox contributed greatly to the Association's Systemic Sustainability Study bringing his experience in local government and an academic rigour to his role on a significant Working Group which aimed to improve and reform service delivery options for local governments. The report that this Working Group produced is still having a significant impact in shaping the future of local government in Western Australia.
Search the Australian Honours List for past recipients of the Public Service Medal.