Dr Damian West PSM was one of three distinguished mandarins recognised last week with the highest national award by the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA).
A former IPAA national secretary, West was instrumental in advancing whole of service stewardship and the consolidation and enhancement of work, health, safety and wellbeing across the ACT Public Service (ACTPS).
West was a senior mover and shaker in the Canberra public service, and had been heavily involved in efforts to transition staff of the private Calvary Hospital into the public system as ACT deputy director-general, industrial relations and workforce strategy.
He died last July following a sudden illness and having been diagnosed with leukaemia only several days earlier.
At the time of his passing, Kathy Leigh described West as an exemplary colleague and friend.
“Since joining the ACTPS in 2020 Damian has been instrumental in shaping ACTPS culture and workforce practices with a strong focus on education, consultation and awareness raising. He had a leading role in supporting the ACTPS during COVID-19, including through the introduction and embedding of flexible work arrangements,” the ACT head of service and director general said in an all-staff email.
“He had the respect of ministers for his work on progressive enterprise bargaining and directors-general and colleagues for the advice and support he provided on complex industrial, WHS and employment matters.
“On a personal level, Damian was a friend to all – always positive, energetic and generous in attitude,” Leigh added.
West was recognised with a Public Service Medal (PSM) in 2022 for his work as a champion of the ACTPS graduate program and efforts during the COVID pandemic, including rolling out initiatives such as hybrid working arrangements that enabled the service to be flexible and responsive.
IPAA fellowships recognise outstanding contribution to the study or practice of public administration.
The decision to award a fellowship to individuals falls to the IPAA national council, who annually assess applicants based on their contribution to the work of the professional member organisation.
Recognised alongside West in this year’s fellows list was Attorney General’s Department secretary Katherine Jones PSM and Services Australia CEO David Hazelhurst. The honours were announced last Thursday.
Jones was appointed secretary in August 2021, joining AGDs from the Department of Defence where she was an associate secretary. She is also the IPPA ACT president.
Hazelhurst was appointed to lead Services Australia late last year, filling a vacancy left by Rebecca Skinner. He previously led the team in PM&C supporting a review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and also led the secretariat for the myGov User Audit to design the future of myGov as a gateway for government services.
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Vale Damian West, ACT deputy director-general, industrial relations and workforce strategy
