Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Finance) Appointment 2025

Overview

The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Finance) Appointment 2025I, enacted in 2025, was introduced to address the need for a competent and experienced individual to lead the Department of Finance. This legislation was enacted by the Australian Parliament under subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999. The policy objective of this appointment is to ensure that the Department of Finance is headed by a Secretary who can effectively manage the public service and implement government policies. This appointment aims to provide stability and continuity in the leadership of the Department, which plays a crucial role in the financial management and economic policy of the nation. The appointment of Mr. Matthew Yannopoulous PSM as Secretary for a term of five years underscores the importance of experienced leadership in public administration.

Scope and Application

The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Finance) Appointment 2025I outlines the appointment of Mr Matthew Yannopoulous PSM as the Secretary of the Department of Finance, effective from 29 September 2025 for a term of five years. This appointment is made under the authority granted by subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council and the formal assent of the Governor-General, the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC. The legislation pertains to the specific appointment of Mr Yannopoulous within the Commonwealth public service structure and does not extend to other appointments or roles within the public service or other government departments. The scope of this instrument is strictly limited to the designated appointment, ensuring clarity and precision in the execution of public service leadership transitions at the federal level.

Key Provisions

The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Finance) Appointment 2025I outlines the appointment of Mr Matthew Yannopoulous PSM as the Secretary of the Department of Finance for a term of five years, beginning on 29 September 2025. This appointment is executed by the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, under the authority of subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999, and in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council (section 1). This statutory instrument formalises Mr Yannopoulous’s role and responsibilities, providing clarity and legal foundation for his position within the department. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on Mr Yannopoulous as the Secretary of the Department of Finance. His duties include overseeing the administration and implementation of the department’s policies, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, and managing the department’s resources efficiently (Public Service Act 1999, section 6). Additionally, Mr Yannopoulous is required to report to the Minister for Finance and maintain transparency in the department's operations, ensuring that all activities align with the government's fiscal policies and objectives (section 7). Breaches of the obligations and duties outlined in the Public Service Act 1999 can lead to various civil and criminal consequences. For instance, failure to comply with the statutory requirements may result in disciplinary actions, including potential dismissal from the position (section 12). Furthermore, if the breach involves misconduct or mismanagement of public funds, it may lead to criminal charges under the Criminal Code Act 1995, with penalties that can include substantial fines and imprisonment (section 13). The maximum penalties for such offences are detailed in the relevant statutes, ensuring that there are significant deterrents against non-compliance.