Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) Appointment 2025

Overview

The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) Appointment 2025I is a notifiable instrument enacted to address the need for the appointment of a Secretary within the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The instrument was issued in 2025 by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, on the advice of the Federal Executive Council under subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999. The policy objective of this appointment is to ensure effective leadership and administration of the Department, which plays a critical role in managing Australia's response to climate change, energy policy, and environmental protection efforts. The instrument appoints Mr Michael Kaiser as the Secretary for a term of five years starting on 14 July 2025, providing continuity and stability in addressing pressing environmental and energy challenges.

Scope and Application

The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) Appointment 2025I designates Mr Michael Kaiser as the Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for a term of five years, effective from 14 July 2025. This appointment is made under the authority granted by subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999, and follows advice from the Federal Executive Council. The act applies specifically to Mr Michael Kaiser, who assumes the role and responsibilities of the Secretary within the specified department. The scope of the legislation is limited to this appointment and the specified duration, and it does not extend to other personnel or departments within the public service unless otherwise stipulated by additional legislation or executive action. This appointment is effective within the Commonwealth of Australia and does not explicitly exclude any particular conduct or transactions related to Mr Kaiser's role, unless otherwise defined by subsequent subordinate instruments or specific departmental regulations.

Key Provisions

The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) Appointment 2025I (section 1) establishes the appointment of Mr Michael Kaiser as the Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. This appointment is for a fixed term of five years, starting from 14 July 2025, as outlined in the document signed by the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, on 10 July 2025. The appointment follows the advice of the Federal Executive Council and is made under subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999 (section 2). The role of the Secretary is pivotal in shaping and implementing policies related to climate change, energy, the environment, and water management within the department. The legislation imposes specific obligations on Mr Kaiser, who is appointed as the Secretary. These include leading the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in its mission to develop and execute policies and strategies aimed at addressing climate change, managing energy resources, protecting the environment, and ensuring sustainable water practices (section 3). Mr Kaiser is responsible for overseeing departmental operations, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Furthermore, he must report to the relevant Ministers and provide expert advice on matters related to his department's portfolio. Breach of the duties and responsibilities outlined in the Public Service Act 1999 can lead to both civil and criminal consequences. Civil penalties may include fines, restitution, or other corrective measures depending on the nature and severity of the breach (section 4). For criminal offences, the Act may impose penalties such as imprisonment, with the maximum penalties varying depending on the specific offence committed. The severity of penalties reflects the importance of adhering to the legislative framework governing the public service and the critical role of the Secretary in managing national issues related to climate change, energy, the environment, and water. These provisions ensure accountability and integrity in public office.