New leadership for State Government departments
Effective Monday 31 May 2021, a number of Directors General are changing departments, or taking planned retirement.
Among those Directors General is Duncan Ord, who has led the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries since 2017.
Duncan is one of three Directors General, who had informed the Public Sector Commission of their intention to retire, some months ago. The others are Gail McGowan (Department of Planning) and David Smith (Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety).
These departments will enter a transition phase from Monday, 17 May, with outgoing Directors General providing advice and support to those incoming, before new Directors General commence on 31 May.
Ms Lanie Chopping will take on the role of Director General at the department.
Since 2017, Duncan Ord has provided leadership during the development of major projects including the WA Museum Boola Bardip, Art Gallery of Western Australia and the State Football Centre.
He has also led the department during a period of reforms to the Local Government Act, and the response to the COVID pandemic impact on arts and sport and the multicultural community.
Duncan will act as special advisor to Minister David Templeman in implementing key election commitments until his retirement.
A number of other changes have been announced to Directors General at State Government agencies. These changes have been brought about by the incredible change in the needs of the State, and what is being asked of WA’s public sector.