The ABC reports that occasional RiotACT contributor and environment commissioner Maxine Cooper has been nominated by the Government to fill the role of Auditor-General.
The widely respected former Auditor-General Tu Pham finished her seven year stretch in March.
The new appointment must be ratified by the Legislative Assembly’s public accounts committee.
“Dr Cooper will bring to the position significant public sector management experience and expertise,” said Chief Minister Katy Gallagher.
“As commissioner for sustainability and the environment, she has performed her duties dutifully … and has clearly demonstrated her capacity to work with the ACT Government entities whilst maintaining an independent role.
UPDATE: Katy Gallagher has managed to get her media release online:
“Dr Cooper will bring to the position significant public sector management experience and expertise.”
“As Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, she has performed her duties dutifully as an independent Statutory Office holder and has clearly demonstrated her capacity to work with the ACT Government entities whilst maintaining an independent role,” the Chief Minster said.
Since graduating from Curtin University, Western Australia in 1978 with a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Studies, Dr Cooper has worked in a variety of arenas in both the public and private sectors, including appointment to the statutory positions of Territory Conservator for Flora and Fauna and the Chief Animal Welfare Officer.
Dr Cooper completed her Masters of Environmental Design at the University of Calgary in Canada in 1983 and a PhD in Environmental Planning, Melbourne University in 1991.
“Dr Cooper’s background is one that has encompassed many reviews and investigations and it is these skills which will be called upon in the Auditor General position. I am pleased to recommend Dr Cooper for this key role, one that is an important part of the accountability and transparency structure of government,” the Chief Minister said.