19 August 2025

The Capital Water Cooler: Comings and goings in the public service

| By Andrew McLaughlin
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combined image of portraits of two smiling women

Dr Marie-Louise Ayres (left) has announced she will retire as director-general of the National Library of Australia next April. Jane Duke has been appointed as Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking. Photos: NLA & DFAT.

A breakdown of the latest appointments in the Australian Public Service.

APS Senior Executive Service

Band 1

Charlotte Iggulden has been promoted to registrar of plant breeders’ rights (PBR) and general manager in the PBR and oppositions group at IP Australia.

Caroline Hatswell has been appointed as Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Contracts Support in the Department of Home Affairs.

Band 2

Peter Edwards has been appointed as Deputy Commissioner of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Miriam Slattery has been appointed as Partners and Providers General Manager in the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

Other federal appointments

Dr Marie-Louise Ayres has announced she will retire as director-general of the National Library of Australia (NLA) in April 2026.

Former Tasmanian Labor federal and state member for Bass Michelle O’Byrne has been appointed as Australia’s next Ambassador for Gender Equality, replacing Stephanie Copus Campbell.

Will Nankervis has been appointed as Australia’s next Ambassador for Climate Change, taking over from Kristin Tilley.

Jane Duke has been appointed as Australia’s next Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking, to succeed Lynn Bell.

Combined image of portraits of a smiling man and a smiling woman

Will Nankervis has been appointed as Australia’s Ambassador for Climate Change. Michelle O’Byrne is the new Ambassador for Gender Equality. Photos: UQ & Tasmanian Labor.

Original Article published by Andrew McLaughlin on PS News.

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