When Anne-Maree Sabellico first entered the challenging field of child protection, she observed a system heavily burdened by bureaucracy and procedural red tape. This approach, she noted, was failing many vulnerable children who slipped through the cracks. For over thirty years, the dedicated Canberra local has championed transformative change within this critical sector.
Championing Early Intervention and Indigenous Voice
Anne-Maree Sabellico, an executive group manager with the ACT Health and Community Services Directorate since 2017, is being awarded a Public Service Medal. Her leadership has driven policies focused on early intervention, aiming to preserve family unity wherever possible. "We are also really focused on how to ensure we really embed Aboriginal decision-making into our systems," Ms Sabellico explained. "This ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are central to every discussion about their children, helping to break harmful cycles. We are already seeing a difference."
A Diverse Group of High Achievers
Ms Sabellico is one of nine outstanding individuals from the ACT and Queanbeyan region honoured with a Public Service Medal this Australia Day. The cohort represents a wide spectrum of expertise, from climate science and data security to international trade and national intelligence.
James White from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is recognised for his pivotal work on renewable energy policy. He leads the consumer energy resources branch, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and deploying clean energy technology. "The rollout of rooftop solar, solar hot water, and heat pumps has provided direct benefits to households," Mr White said, highlighting the tangible impacts of long-term policy work.
In the realm of data protection, Peter Cottrell of Services Australia has been instrumental in securing sensitive government information. His team implemented robust multi-factor authentication on the critical mainframe platform that supports Centrelink, Medicare, and other essential services, moving beyond vulnerable password-only systems.
From Workplace Reform to Carbon Credits
Sarah Godden from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has been a key architect behind landmark national workplace reforms. Her work has helped implement significant legislation aimed at creating more secure jobs, ensuring better pay, and closing legal loopholes that disadvantaged workers.
Meanwhile, Paul Ryan, also from the Climate Change department, is making strides with the Australian carbon credit units scheme. This initiative supports landholders, particularly farmers, in sequestering carbon from their soil—a project now covering over 500 million hectares and attracting hundreds of millions in investment.
International Negotiations and Crisis Leadership
On the global stage, Elizabeth Ward of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has led some of Australia's most complex trade negotiations. Her efforts on agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership have boosted Australian exports and strengthened economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
In times of international crisis, Gareth Meyer from the Office of National Intelligence is a trusted advisor. He has provided critical analysis during events such as the MH17 disaster, conflicts in Ukraine and Afghanistan, and Australia's COVID-19 response, informing national security policy for decades.
Healthcare and Legal Excellence
The awards also celebrate excellence in healthcare and law. Philip Crispin of Canberra Health Services has pioneered patient blood management and safety, leading initiatives like the ACT Haemovigilance Project to improve transfusion safety. As president of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion, his influence extends nationally.
Finally, Derek Kettle from the Justice and Community Safety Directorate has guided the ACT through nearly three decades of complex legal challenges, including responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple territory elections, with matters reaching the High Court of Australia.
Together, these nine public servants exemplify the dedication, expertise, and quiet leadership that strengthens Australian communities and institutions, earning them well-deserved recognition on the national day of celebration.
