Michelle Andrews appointed Director General of WA Communities

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Former deputy director general of the West Australian Department of Premier and Cabinet Michelle Andrews has been formally appointed as the new head of the Department of Communities.

She has been acting in the role since the retirement of Grahame Searle in February, and officially starts in the role today.

Andrews has more than 30 years of experience in leadership roles in the public service, including deputy director general at the Department of Mines and Petroleum, executive director of State Development and interim CEO at the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority.

As part of Andrews’ appointment, she will also be CEO of the Housing Authority, Country Housing Authority, and the Disability Services Commission — all of which are part of the Department of Communities.

“Ms Andrews is a highly qualified public servant and all four ministers look forward to working with her to continue the significant social policy programs and reforms of government,” said Simone McGurk, minister for child protection, women’s interests, prevention of family and domestic violence and community services.

“Among Ms Andrews’ many strengths is her cross-government perspective gained from her recent role at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

“The Department of Communities is a large state government agency responsible for delivering vital and complex human services and social policy innovation and solutions. I am confident Ms Andrews will lead this significant work with the support of thousands of dedicated communities staff.

“This government is committed to increasing the number of women in leadership. The appointment of Ms Andrews and other female leaders to senior roles demonstrates Western Australia has ample talented and qualified women ready for leadership positions in the state.”

The Department of Communities includes a wide range of portfolios: child protection, women’s interests, prevention of family and domestic violence, community services, disability services, seniors and ageing, volunteering, housing, veterans, and youth.