Deputy Secretary
Michael Thomas was appointed as Deputy Secretary Immigration Compliance on 17 July 2025.
Michael leads the Group responsible for the Department’s immigration compliance frameworks and functions. This includes a blended Department and Australian Border Force (ABF) workforce across Australia, focused on a range of policy, program, engagement, operations, and intelligence functions – with a focus on developing and achieving strategic effects and outcomes to improve the integrity of Australia’s migration system.
Prior to this, Michael was Group Manager Immigration Compliance from February 2024. As a First Assistant Secretary, Michael has led the People Smuggling Policy and Implementation Taskforce, the Protective Security Coordination Centre, and a taskforce to create and establish the National Emergency Management Agency in the Home Affairs Portfolio. Since joining the Department of Home Affairs in 2016 (the then Department of Immigration and Border Protection), Michael also undertook various Assistant Secretary and other roles in the Department’s Intelligence Division.
Michael commenced his public service career with the Department of Defence. During his time with the Department, Michael worked as an analyst across numerous transnational themes, and as a manager of analysis and legal compliance functions.
Michael holds a Bachelor of International Business and a Bachelor of Arts (Asian and International Studies).
