The state government has refreshed public sector leadership with the appointment of three new directors general, including Jay Peckitt taking up the role at Department of Education.
Jodie Wallace has been appointed to the position at Department of Training and Workforce Development, while Department of Water and Environmental Regulation acting director general Alistair Jones secures his role.
Mr Peckitt has more than 20 years of state government experience, including nine years at the Department of Education, and would commence a five-year term as director general on November 1.
He will continue to serve as deputy director general education business services until next month, a position he has held since mid-2019.
Mr Peckitt was appointed to this role after three years as the Department of Education’s executive director finance and commercial services.
He also has former experience working at the Department of Communities as a special adviser and at the Department for Child Protection and Family Support as director business support and coordination.
Education Minister Tony Buti said Mr Peckitt had deep knowledge of the workings of the department.
“He will oversee the state's multi-billion-dollar record investment into public education infrastructure and the rollout of the landmark Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, which will see all WA public school fully and fairly funded at 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard by 2026,” Dr Buti said.
“With an impressive background across the public sector, Mr Peckitt will bring valuable insights and experience plus a broad understanding of the wider operations of government to the public school system.”
Department of Training and Workforce Development executive director Ms Wallace has been promoted to director general after more than 20 years working in the public sector.
She has held her current role for six years and was recognised at last year’s Institute of Public Administration Australia WA Achievement Awards, winning leader of the year working with a division, team or organisation for her leadership.
Ms Wallace would commence her five-year term as director general on November 30.
“Ms Wallace played a pivotal role in securing up to $1.3 billion for WA through the National Skills Agreement with the Commonwealth government,” Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk said.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Ms Wallace who has a results-driven approach and has a strong track record of delivering meaningful initiatives that make positive changes to lives of those who need it most.”
Mr Jones has served as Department of Water and Environmental Regulation acting director general since January and has been selected to fill the role permanently.
He has more than fifteen years’ experience working for the state government, including stints at the Department of Treasury as assistant under treasurer of the economic business unit, and assistant under treasurer of strategic policy and evaluation.
Mr Jones also worked as acting director general for the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation in 2023.
Water Minister Ms McGurk said she was eager to continue working with Mr Jones.
“I have been impressed by Alistair's drive and commitment to safeguarding our precious water resources, in programs such as Healthy Estuaries WA and the Kep Katitjin - Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise Perth action plan,” Ms McGurk said.
