Melissa Harris was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2023 for outstanding public service and transformation of geospatial, planning and land administration in Victoria. Photo: Geoscience Australia.
The Federal government has announced the appointment of Melissa Harris PSM as the new chief executive officer of Geoscience Australia.
Ms Harris will assume the role in late February, succeeding Dr James Johnson, who announced his retirement last September after serving as CEO since 2016.
Ms Harris has 30 years of experience in the Victorian public sector, working in local and state government. She is currently the chief executive and registrar of titles at Land Use Victoria. She has previously held the positions of director of planning information systems at the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and executive manager of service and business improvement at the City of Port Phillip.
In 2023, Ms Harris was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service and transformation of geospatial, planning and land administration in Victoria.
Geoscience Australia is Australia’s trusted source of information on Earth sciences, including its marine jurisdictions and Antarctic territories. Its stated mission is to empower decision-making by government, communities and industry.
Dr Johnson congratulated Ms Harris on her appointment.
“Geoscience Australia has been my home for almost 20 years,” he said. “It is full of passionate and dedicated people bringing world-leading science to the forefront of the Australian public.
“I know Ms Harris will bring her wealth of experience to the organisation, and I am confident Geoscience Australia will reach new heights under her leadership.”
Acting Federal Minister for Resources Amanda Rishworth said Ms Harris had extensive experience in leading change and innovation in land administration and planning.
“In her new role, Ms Harris will oversee the government’s record $3.4 billion investment through Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity, which will help find those economy-making discoveries that will support future generations of Australians,” she said.
“Importantly, she will also drive Australia’s engagement with the United States-led Landsat Next satellite program, building on more than 50 years of collaboration with the United States on Earth observation and data.”
Ms Rishworth also thanked Dr Johnson for his leadership and dedication to the organisation.
“Dr Johnson’s term as CEO will be remembered for his strong commitment to scientific excellence, his leadership in the application of scientific data for decision-makers in government and industry, and for building enduring links with stakeholders across the nation and world. I wish him well in his retirement.”
In a LinkedIn post, Ms Harris said: “I am beyond thrilled and honoured to be building on the incredible legacy of James Johnson and his exceptionally talented leadership team in my appointment.
“Geoscience Australia is a world-leading science organisation providing crucial information to government, industry and the community to support the economy, safety and sustainability of Australia. I’m looking forward to working with everyone in Geoscience Australia and all of our stakeholders in this next exciting chapter.”
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