Media Release

Resignation of Centrelink CEO

15 May 2008

Today the CEO of Centrelink, Jeff Whalan, has announced that he will be retiring later this year.

“On behalf of the Government I would like to extend to Jeff our sincere appreciation for his dedicated service,” said Human Services Minister, Senator Joe Ludwig.

“Jeff has built a distinguished career in service through the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Public Service over many years,” Senator Ludwig said

“Jeff’s been an innovative and passionate leader of Centrelink,” he said.

“The Australian Government’s loss will, however, be his family’s gain, as Jeff will be spending some well-deserved time with his family when he steps down in June”.

“In the meantime, I look forward to making the most of the valuable advice Jeff provides,” Senator Ludwig added.

“Our efforts will now turn to finding a new CEO who can continue Jeff’s dynamic legacy of innovation and modernisation, as we tackle the next phase of service delivery reform,” said Senator Ludwig.  

“It is the Government's policy to have transparent and merit-based assessment in the selection of agency heads”.

“In due course, the Secretary of my Department and the Public Service Commissioner will oversee a process to recommend a new Centrelink CEO,” Senator Ludwig said.

Media Contact: Joe Scavo—0413 800 757.