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

Overview

The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of the Treasury) Appointment 2025I was enacted in 2025 to address the need for a new Secretary of the Department of the Treasury, ensuring continuity and stability in the department's leadership. This instrument was introduced by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council and in accordance with subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999. The policy objective underpinning this appointment is to maintain efficient and effective governance within the public service, specifically within the Department of the Treasury, by providing a clear and decisive leadership role. The appointment of Jenny Wilkinson PSM as the Secretary of the Department of the Treasury for a period of five years commencing on 16 June 2025 is aimed at fostering strong policy direction and administrative oversight in one of Australia's key economic policy-making bodies.

Scope and Application

The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of the Treasury) Appointment 2025I serves to appoint Jenny Wilkinson PSM as the Secretary of the Department of the Treasury for a term of five years, starting from 16 June 2025. This appointment is made under the authority vested in the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council and pursuant to subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999. The appointment applies to Jenny Wilkinson PSM personally, assigning her to the role of Secretary of the Department of the Treasury, a key position within the federal public service structure. This appointment is binding within the Commonwealth jurisdiction, and its application is limited to the person and role specified. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds stipulated within this particular notifiable instrument, although broader provisions of the Public Service Act 1999 may include such details. Any additional regulations or conditions governing the Secretary’s conduct or responsibilities would be outlined in subordinate instruments or other relevant legislation.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Public Service (Secretary of the Department of the Treasury) Appointment 2025I are straightforward and clear in their purpose. Section 1 of the instrument appoints Jenny Wilkinson PSM as the Secretary of the Department of the Treasury, effective from 16 June 2025, for a fixed term of five years. This appointment is made by the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council under subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999. The instrument is dated 12 June 2025, and includes signatures from both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act primarily involve the formal process of appointing a Secretary to a critical public service role. The appointment must comply with the Public Service Act 1999, ensuring that the process adheres to legal standards and governmental protocols. The Governor-General's role in this process is to act on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, ensuring that the appointment is both legitimate and appropriate for the position. The Secretary, once appointed, will have specific duties and responsibilities as outlined in the Public Service Act and any relevant departmental guidelines. These duties will encompass a wide range of activities, from strategic leadership and policy development to oversight of departmental operations and compliance with government directives. The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of the Treasury) Appointment 2025I does not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or consequences for breach within the instrument itself. However, any failure to comply with the terms of the appointment, as outlined in the Public Service Act 1999, could lead to legal and administrative consequences. Such breaches might include improper appointment processes, failure to fulfill the duties of the Secretary, or other violations of public service regulations. Penalties for these breaches could vary, potentially including disciplinary action, financial penalties, or even termination of employment, depending on the severity and nature of the breach. The Public Service Act 1999 would provide the specific legal framework within which any such consequences would be determined and enforced.