Additional Estimates
27 March 2024
Stephanie Foster PSM
Secretary, Department of Home Affairs
Thank you Chair. I would like to advise the Committee of the appointment of three new members to our senior leadership team.
I am pleased to welcome
Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness, CSC. Michelle joined the department on Monday 26 February as Australia’s National Cyber Security Coordinator. Lieutenant General McGuinness has served in the Australian Defence Force for 30 years in a range of tactical, operational, and strategic roles in Australia and internationally.
I am also pleased to welcome
Dr Emma Cassar to the department, as the new Associate Secretary Immigration. Emma joined us on Monday 25 March from the Victorian State Government, where she was most recently Deputy Secretary, Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations with the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Lastly, I welcome
Charlotte Tressler who commenced in the role of COO on Wednesday 14 February. Charlotte joins the department from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), where she has been the COO since October 2020 assisting the AFP Commissioner to drive organisational performance and manage risk, focusing on the AFP's strategy, capability, workforce and budget.
I note the Committee’s interest in the department’s procurement processes at the February estimates hearing. I would like to let the Committee know that I have asked David Tune, a former Secretary of the Department of Finance, to advise me on an optimum procurement model for Home Affairs that is robust, fit-for-purpose and upholds the highest standards of integrity.
