MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 28th March 2025
IPAA WA’s 40th Anniversary of the W.S. Lonnie Awards
Members of the Institute of Public Administration Australia WA (IPAA WA) and agencies from across the WA government sector recognised excellence in annual reporting at IPAA WA’s 40th annual W.S. Lonnie Awards presentation on the 28th of March 2025.
The W.S. Lonnie Awards acknowledge the achievements in annual reporting across the Western Australian government sector, promote excellence and improve standards of accountability, and encourage clear communication of information to the Parliament and the community.
IPAA WA President, Jenness Gardner hosted the ceremony, with close to 400 professionals in attendance.
Chair of the W.S. Lonnie Awards judging panel, Emeritus Professor Mike Daube AO provided remarks on behalf of the judging panel, including observations on what made some reports stand out to the panel. Prof. Daube provided particular feedback from the judging panel for reports’ complaints handling section and highlighted some organisations which had made particular improvements in this area, acknowledging their efforts through a special commendation.
Of the 21 awards presented, several agencies received more than one award on the day. In particular, the Office of the Auditor General which received 5 Awards on the day, including the ultimate award, the W.S. Lonnie Memorial Trophy and Shield. Fremantle Ports also received multiple awards (3 Awards), as did the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (2 Awards).
The judges commended the Office of the Auditor General’s (OAG) report for its well-presented, engaging, and well-structured format. They commented that the OAG’s report has a strong focus on strengthening capability, demonstrating excellence, delivering results, and adapting and innovating. They praised the OAG’s report for providing a clear strategic plan showing innovation as a focus, along with staff training and relationship building.
This years’ Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Chief Financial Officer of the Year Award went to Brad Francis, Chief Financial Officer at Edith Cowan University. The judging panel were particularly impressed by Brad’s demonstrated strategic vision and impact, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and his ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. They commended Brad’s innovative use of data analytics and exemplary leadership in fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment.
The primary vehicle for accountability in the Public Sector is the way public sector agencies report their performance to Parliament and the people of Western Australia. The W.S. Lonnie Awards were established in honour of Mr. William Scott Lonnie MC CBE MVO, recognised for his long and distinguished career in the State public service, culminating in his final post as Under Secretary, Premier’s Department during the premiership of Sir Charles Court.
Those awarded the top accolades for Annual Reporting were:
The W.S. Lonnie Memorial Trophy
(Best Overall Annual Report)
Office of the Auditor General
The Margaret Nadebaum Trophy
(Best Public Financial and Non-Financial Corporation Annual Report)
Fremantle Ports
The Allan Skinner Trophy
(Best General Government Sector Annual Report)
Office of the Auditor General
Click here to view the full list of winners, photographs and judges’ comments.
Click here to read the history of the W.S. Lonnie Awards.
For further media enquiries and photographs, please contact awards@ipaawa.org.au or call 9360 1400.