Professor Glyn Davis served on the panel led by David Thodey to review the APS. Photo: University of Melbourne.
A distinguished public service and university leader has been named the new head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C).
The Governor-General has appointed Professor Glyn Davis as the new Secretary of PM&C, on the recommendation of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Professor Davis is currently the CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Australia’s largest philanthropic trust.
He will bring an understanding of the changes underway in the Australian Public Service and those Labor plan to pursue, having served on the panel led by David Thodey to review the APS.
Labor has called the previous government’s response to the Thodey review a missed opportunity and has pledged to implement the reforms in full as part of its commitment to rebuilding public service capability.
Professor Davis has had a long and distinguished career in both academia and public service, having served as Director-General of the Queensland Department of Premier and Cabinet from 1998 until 2002 before moving to Vice-Chancellor roles at both Griffith University and the University of Melbourne.
He holds emeritus roles at universities worldwide and has served as Chair of the Group of Eight, Chair of Universities Australia and Chair of Universitas 21.
In 2018 he joined the Crawford School of Public Policy at the ANU as a Distinguished Professor.
In 2010 Professor Davis delivered the Boyer Lectures on the theme The Republic of Learning.
Mr Albanese said Professor Davis would bring to the role a deep understanding of public policy and work with the government in bringing about positive change for the Australian people.
Mr Albanese thanked Philip Gaetjens for his service to the Australian public, both as Secretary of the PM&C since August 2019 and across a 45-year public service career.
Mr Gaetjens, who had been considered close to the former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, left PM&C immediately after the election.
Professor Davis will commence his five-year appointment on 6 June 2022.
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