Women in Public Service Leadership

Maryann Tsai is an award-winning social entrepreneur, gender equality advocate and Founder & Board Chair of Reach Her Inc., a Perth-based not-for-profit empowering women from multicultural and under-represented backgrounds through employment, mentorship, entrepreneurship and leadership. With more than two decades of senior leadership experience across the public, private, government, mining, technology, education and not-for-profit sectors, she brings a wealth of experience in strategy, impact and community leadership.

She is a TEDx speaker and #1 bestselling co-author of Ignite. Her work has been recognised through numerous awards, including Community Citizen of the Year, UNAAWA Gender Equality Award and Swan Woman of the Year, alongside finalist recognition for WA Volunteer of the Year and WA Volunteer Excellence in 2026.

Maryann is passionate about creating equitable and inclusive communities where women have the opportunity to thrive.

Henrietta Podgorska is a values-led leader with more than 11 years’ experience across community services, government, policy advocacy and sector capability building. She has led diverse, culturally and linguistically diverse workforces and worked closely with communities to strengthen participation, service delivery and influence. Her experience spans frontline service delivery, government engagement, policy and reform, and building the capability of people and organisations to navigate change and growth. Henrietta is particularly interested in how leadership, culture and opportunity shape the progression of culturally diverse women into leadership.

Kate Rowlands has more than 20 years’ experience leading strategy, policy, community engagement, communications and funding programs across the Western Australian public sector and major government enterprises. She has extensive experience in leading multidisciplinary teams, managing significant public investment programs, and building productive partnerships across government, industry, not-for-profit organisations and culturally and linguistically diverse communities

As Executive Director of OMI, Kate provides strategic leadership across multicultural policy, programs and partnerships, ensuring cultural and linguistic diversity is recognised and leveraged as a key driver of social, economic and civic prosperity in Western Australia.

Kate believes that better decisions are made when diverse perspectives are genuinely heard and reflected, that public sector leadership is ultimately about service, and that success is measured by the difference we make in people’s lives and the strength of the communities we help build.

Umi Joshi is a Senior Project Officer at the Economic Regulation Authority. With a people-centred approach to project delivery, change management and stakeholder engagement, she combines practical experience with postgraduate qualifications in project management, PMP certification and certification as a coach.

Since migrating to Australia in 2016, Umi has continued to grow professionally while balancing full-time work and family life. She is passionate about coaching, mentoring, and creating inclusive spaces where people feel supported to build confidence, strengthen capability and lead authentically.

Paris McNeil is a keynote speaker, facilitator and lawyer who helps organisations navigate the generational shifts reshaping communication, leadership and the workplace. As a Gen Z speaker working across government, education and industry, Paris challenges assumptions about younger employees and explores what different generations really need from work, leadership and each other. Her work is focused on creating clarity, starting better conversations and helping multigenerational teams work together more effectively.

Alison is a Professor of Economics in the University of Western Australia Business School. Her research explores gendered aspects of the labour market, employment and economic security across the life course. Her research interests include wage determination, working time and employment arrangements, retirement incomes and financial literacy.

She is President of the Economic Society of Australia (WA Branch), an Associate Editor of the Industrial Relations Journal and serves on the Editorial Board of The Economic Record. Alison is passionate about promoting the discipline of economics and encouraging the next generation of economists.

Kaylene has extensive experience in public policy, knowledge of financial markets and expertise in the Western Australian economy. In her role as the WATC’s CEO, she is at the forefront of the central borrowing authority’s responsibility to the State of Western Australia and its management of more than $50 billion in financial assets and liabilities. She has previously held senior roles in the Western Australian Department of Treasury.

As well as being a member of CPA Australia and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Kaylene currently holds directorships at the Australian Financial Markets Association, Synergy and WA’s premier children’s theatre company Backing Gecko Art.

Kaylene was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2021 for outstanding public service in a range of roles to Western Australia.

Vicky has 19 years’ experience in the WA Public Sector leading transformational change in organisations. Informed by her BA in Psychology and intersectional feminism, she is passionate about the ways systems, norms and rules can assist with, or hinder equality in public sector workplaces.

Sacha Arthur is the Executive Manager of the Business Development Unit at Western Australia Police Force, where she leads a team supporting strategic initiatives, governance and organisational improvement.

Beginning her career in retail and hospitality, Sacha transitioned into business analysis before commencing her public sector career with Victoria Police. After relocating to Western Australia in 2023 and joining WA Police Force, she progressed from business analysis and project roles into a leadership position.

Sacha holds qualifications in business, design and executive leadership, and has undertaken study, work and professional development experiences across Australia, Germany, Malaysia and Vietnam. She is passionate about identifying the right problems, creating clarity from complexity, and enabling better outcomes for frontline policing and the community.

Lorissa is the Acting Chief Executive Officer of DevelopmentWA, accountable for the strategic direction, leadership and performance of a significant statewide portfolio of projects, delivering commercial and social outcomes. She has a diversity of experience in areas such as legislation development, property acquisition and operations, public policy, strategic planning, public relations, crisis communications, and stakeholder management.

Before joining DevelopmentWA in January 2022, Lorissa spent six years at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage as an Assistant Director General in Business and Corporate Services, then Strategy and Engagement. Lorissa has previously been seconded from the public service to work as Chief of Staff for the former Minister for Planning, where she was involved with key projects including the new museum, Perth City Link and Elizabeth Quay. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce (First Class Honours) from Curtin University and an Executive Master of Public Administration from the Australia New Zealand School of Government.

Paula Della Gatta is a Project Manager on the New Women’s and Babies Hospital Project at the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure. She commenced her public sector career through the Department of Finance Graduate Program, following several years in private architectural practice working across affordable housing, civic infrastructure and mass timber construction. A recipient of the 2024 E.G. Cohen Medal, Paula holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame Australia and has a strong interest in the intersection of architecture, infrastructure and human behaviour. Paula is passionate about delivering people-centred, fit-for-purpose infrastructure and believes that strong collaboration and positive workplace culture are fundamental to achieving meaningful outcomes for the Western Australian community.

Rebecca Maccario has worked in the local government sector for over 20 years. Currently she is Manager Strategic and Organisational Development at the City of Joondalup where she has driven strategic and organisational change within the City. Rebecca’s current portfolio includes overarching guidance and management in the areas of strategic planning, corporate reporting, environmental planning and approvals, policy development, community consultation, organisational development and grants.

As an advocate for women, Rebecca has successfully led initiatives to support women in their career progression as well as coaching and mentoring the next generation of female leaders through ongoing participation in the Future Female Leaders Program.

Rebecca is the inaugural winner of the 2024 Rhonda Hardy Women of Excellence Local Government Award.

Mike is Director General of the Department of Communities in Western Australia. Prior to joining Communities in May 2021, Mike was Director General at the Western Australian Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and Department of Water.

Mike has worked in the Western Australian public sector for more than thirty years across multiple portfolios and in diverse leadership, policy, advisory and delivery roles. These include human services, regional development, Aboriginal affairs, natural resources management, agriculture, environment, water, and the Premier and Cabinet.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science and has also completed postgraduate qualifications in social research and program evaluation and public sector management.

Justine has more than 35 years’ experience across the government, private and not-for-profit sectors in Australia, the UK and Europe, with a career spanning everything from running a pub to running a prison.

Since moving to Australia, she has worked to support and promote the needs and rights of some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in our community.

For the past 15 years, she has been CEO of Rise, which provides services for people experiencing mental health issues, disability, ageing, youth at risk, family and domestic violence, and homelessness.

Justine also spent 15 years in the WA public service, working across the environment, justice, housing and communities portfolios, including a secondment to the Department of Communities.

Helen De Brito was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Legal Aid WA in January 2024, after serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer from May 2023. She has built an extensive career with the agency since joining in 2005. An accomplished criminal lawyer, she has held a range of senior leadership positions, including Acting Solicitor in Charge of the Fremantle office, Manager of the Legal Practice Development Division, and Director of the Criminal Law Division.

Throughout her career, Helen has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing access to justice and improving service delivery for Legal Aid WA clients.

Helen is a passionate advocate for staff wellbeing, professional development, and regional service delivery. She has been a longstanding member of Legal Aid WA’s Reconciliation Action Plan Committee and has overseen both the Graduate Program and Country Lawyers’ Program, helping to develop and support the next generation of legal professionals.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours from Murdoch University.

Dr Jacqueline Boaks is the Curriculum Lead with the Curtin Centre for Applied Ethics and Philosopher-in-Residence at the WA Data Science Innovation Hub. Jacqueline works in curriculum and industry engagement applied ethics with a focus on leadership ethics and the ethics of artificial intelligence.

In March 2025 she delivered Curtin’s first executive education program on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence.

Jacqueline has a background in management, consultancy, and academia. She has taught ethics and leadership at University of Western Australia, Notre Dame University and Curtin University.

She previously taught ethics, leadership, and critical thinking to students at Bachelor of Commerce, MBA, and Executive Education levels and was the discipline leader for the School of Management and Marketing’s Social Leadership and Ethics specialisation.

Owen has been CEO of West Australian Music (WAM) since late 2024. Prior to this he spent over a decade in trade union leadership as Secretary and Assistant Secretary of UnionsWA between 2012 to 2024 leading significant campaigns on workplace safety and public sector pay.

Owen is currently a member of the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal, Chairperson of the Work Health and Safety Commission, Director of the McKell Institute WA Advisory Committee and was previously Chairperson of the Welfare Rights and Advocacy Service and a Non-Executive Director of WorkCoverWA.

Nina Skewes was appointed as Privacy Deputy Commissioner in January 2026.

Nina has over 14 years’ experience in privacy and regulatory leadership across both the public and private sectors, specialising in data protection, regulatory governance and emerging technology risk.

Prior to commencing her role as Privacy Deputy Commissioner, Nina was the Chief Privacy Officer (Asia Pacific) for a professional services company. She has also held senior regulatory, legal and privacy roles in Australia. Prior to her recent private sector experience, she worked at the federal privacy regulator in the privacy practice and technology branch. She has also worked as an economist with the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Nina holds a Master of Innovation Law with Excellence from the University of New South Wales and Bachelor of Law and Economics (first-class Honours) from the University of Western Australia.

Dr Juliana Peloche is a Senior Curriculum Designer at Edith Cowan University’s Centre for Learning and Teaching, where she oversees curriculum development for the School of Engineering and leads AI literacy initiatives across the institution. She holds a doctorate in AI in education from the University of Wollongong, with research focused on how educational stakeholders perceive and adapt to emerging technologies,  a lens she now applies to questions of equity, ethics, and responsible AI use in professional settings.

Originally from Brazil, Juliana has taught across three continents and brings an international perspective to her work at the intersection of AI, gender, and education. She is also co-founder of Women in AI Australia, an organisation dedicated to empowering women to learn, lead, and thrive in an AI-enabled world. Her work consistently asks who benefits from AI, and who gets left behind.

Since starting her public sector career in the Wageline call centre in 2006, Emma has worked on social and strategic policy projects at the Department of Communities, the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and Treasury WA. For the past five years she has worked at the Economic Regulation Authority and is the Assistant Director, Licensing and Customer Protection. The ERA is Western Australia’s independent economic regulator. Through the licensing framework, Emma’s team regulates the customer protections obligations for the approximately 100 private companies and government trading enterprises licensed to provide electricity, gas and water services.

Emma has served on the IPAA WA Council since 2013 and as Secretary since 2021.

Joanne Abbiss is an accomplished Chief Executive Officer with over 20 years of experience shaping the future of Western Australia’s fastest growing local governments. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Notre Dame University and a Bachelor of Science (Distinction) from Curtin University. As CEO of the City of Armadale, Joanne oversees a $160 million annual operating budget, $32 million in capital works, $2 billion in assets and a workforce of 800 staff serving over 110,000 residents.

Her leadership spans strategic infrastructure delivery, economic development, environmental sustainability, social policy and community engagement. She has held ministerial appointments to State boards and advisory committees, contributed to local government reform, and has been recognised internationally for her achievements in strategic planning. Joanne has extensive expertise in governance and public administration and is a sought-after speaker on leadership and organisational transformation. In 2015, she was named WA Telstra Business Woman of the Year (Government and Academia).

Dr Ashley McGrath is a gender equity trailblazer on a mission to bridge the gap between awareness, intention and action. Ashley leads CEOs for Gender Equity, a for-purpose organisation which seeks to accelerate gender equity through CEO leadership. Ashley received a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) for her research which aims to increase the inclusion and diversity of women in the mining industry.

Sue commenced her role as Chief Executive Officer in February 2023, representing both NOPSEMA and OIR. Prior to this, she served for eight years as the Chief Executive at the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.

A career of over forty years in Government, Sue has held a range of roles across Education, including time as a school principal, the Public Transport Authority and as Deputy Director General of Policy, Planning and Investment at the WA Department of Transport.

Sue holds a Bachelor of Law from Murdoch University, a Master of Education from Edith Cowan University, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Sue is a member of the National Association of Women in Operations, Women in Decommissioning and is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration.

Kaylene has extensive experience in public policy, knowledge of financial markets and expertise in the Western Australian economy. In her role as the WATC’s CEO, she is at the forefront of the central borrowing authority’s responsibility to the State of Western Australia and its management of more than $50 billion in financial assets and liabilities. She has previously held senior roles in the Western Australian Department of Treasury.

As well as being a member of CPA Australia and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Kaylene currently holds directorships at the Australian Financial Markets Association, Synergy and WA’s premier children’s theatre company Backing Gecko Art.

Kaylene was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2021 for outstanding public service in a range of roles to Western Australia.