Today I announce that the Government has made the following changes to senior public service management:
1. Kathrine Morgan-Wicks will move from her current role of Secretary of Justice to take on the role of Secretary of Health;
2. Michael Pervan will move from his current role of Secretary of Health to take on the role of Secretary of Communities Tasmania; and
3. Ginna Webster will move from her current role of Secretary of Communities Tasmania to take on the role of Secretary of Justice
Ms Morgan-Wicks has successfully led a range of policy and law reform projects as Secretary of Justice, notably the Tasmanian Government’s involvement in and response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Reponses to Child Sexual Abuse. Ms Morgan-Wicks comes to Health at an important time, with the commissioning of the redeveloped Royal Hobart Hospital on the horizon, and as we deliver improvements from the Access Solutions meeting and in response to the Auditor-General’s report. She will bring over 20 years corporate experience working in large organisations as well as strong leadership experience across all levels of Government to her new appointment.
Mr Pervan has substantial experience leading reform and delivery of community service provision, with over 30 years working in health and human services. His extensive knowledge of the community sector will be vital in his new leadership role at Communities Tasmania, having previously overseen reforms to Tasmania’s child protection and public housing systems. Mr Pervan will play a pivotal role leading the $125 million Stage Two of our Affordable Housing Action Plan delivering the largest ever state investment into affordable housing in Tasmania’s history, as well as advancing the Government’s strong commitment to the prevention of family violence.
Ms Webster has built a strong foundation at Communities Tasmania as its inaugural Secretary and will return to lead the Department of Justice where she has previously made substantial contributions over 15 years including senior management roles as Deputy Secretary, Administration of Justice and Director, Community Corrections. Prior to her current role, Ms Webster was Deputy Secretary, Children and Youth Services in the Department of Health and Human Services.
The changes allow for these senior public service leaders to apply their considerable skills and experience to different areas of community service delivery.
The new appointments will take effect from Monday 2 September.