ACTPS Head of Service Kathy Leigh has celebrated the 21st birthday of the service by announcing the winners of the annual ACT Public Service Awards.

“Wednesday, 1 July 2015, marked 21 years since the creation of the ACTPS. The ACTPS is small and yet it delivers the services of two levels of government, both State and Local. ACT public servants cover a full spectrum of roles: from frontline services in our hospitals, schools and emergency services, to advice on international trade and investment in the ACT, growing the ACT and regional economy and social policy,” Kathy said.

“As a result of our small size the ACTPS must deliver its services in an agile and collaborative way, working closely with our Federal, State and Regional colleagues and the community to ensure excellent service to Canberrans.

“The ACT Public Service Awards for Excellence are an annual event recognising the outstanding contribution of individuals and teams within the ACT Public Service. The awards have seven categories that are underpinned by the ACTPS values. The award categories are: Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence and Executive Leadership.

“This year our winners are exceptional examples of the ACTPS’ values in practice. In particular, I would like to recognise the Asbestos Response Taskforce. They have been recognised for their capacity to work collaboratively in pursuit of an enduring solution to the practical, financial, social and health impacts of continuing contamination of more than 1000 Canberra homes.

“I congratulate all recipients on their awards,” Ms Leigh concluded.

The 2015 ACT Public Service Awards for Excellence Winners

Respect – Disability ACT and Therapy ACT Change Management Teams

Community Services Directorate and Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
The Disability ACT and Therapy ACT Change Management Teams have been selected as the recipients of the Respect Award because of their professional, respectful efforts managing the transition for clients to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

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Integrity – Canberra Hospital Palliative Care Team

Health Directorate
The Canberra Hospital Palliative Care Team has worked together to take the responsibility and accountability for decisions and actions for health support and care. Each and every member of the team provides the utmost patient care with compassion, understanding, dignity and respect.

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Collaboration – Joint winners University of Canberra Government Team and the Asbestos Response Taskforce.

University of Canberra (UC) Decision of Government Team
Chief Minister, Treasury and economic Development Directorate, Environmental Planning Directorate and Justice and Community Safety Directorate
The UC Decision of Government Team has been selected for its collaborative efforts to support the ACT Government’s legislative changes to enhance the University of Canberra’s ability to grow and remain competitive as an elite education provider.

Asbestos Response Taskforce

The Asbestos Response Taskforce is recognised for its outstanding capacity to work collaboratively in pursuit of an enduring solution to the practical, financial, social and health impacts of continuing contamination of more than 1000 Canberra homes. The work of the Taskforce is critical, significant and complex on so many levels and has impacted many in our community on a deeply personal level.

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Innovation – Elections ACT

The Elections ACT team has been selected for creating Australia’s first interactive, online electorate boundary mapping tool to engage the public in consultation for the 2015 redistribution of electoral boundaries for the ACT Legislative Assembly.

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Leadership – Joint winners Louise Owens and Michael Reid

Louise Owens
Education and Training Directorate
Louise Owens, is a creative, innovative and passionate leader who has fostered a strong and united North Ainslie community culture through her role as the Principal of North Ainslie Primary School.

Michael Reid
Community Services Directorate
Michael Reid has shown exceptional leadership over the past 12 months in his stewardship in Care and Protection Services and Youth Services Case Management Integrated Management Systems projects.

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Excellence – Joyce Thanabal

Health Directorate
Joyce has been recognised for her work as a Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Canberra Community Dialysis Unit. She is a highly skilled and compassionate leader who has lead her team through much organisational change.

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Executive Leadership – John Hinchey

Justice and Community Services
John Hinchey has had almost 25 years’ experience in the ACT criminal justice system and a strong sense of social justice. As the ACT’s Victims of Crime Commissioner for over five years, he has strengthened the relationship between key agencies, introduced new systems of triaging and case management, and has been instrumental in driving consideration to reforming the victims of crime compensation scheme.