NOMINATIONS are open for this year’s Leadership in Government Awards.

Organised by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, the categories are Federal Leader of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to Public Administration and Graduate of the Year.

“The public sector, the engine room of the nation, are more than aware of the disruptive forces sweeping across industries and leadership in the innovation that is critical for the national prosperity of Australia,” says Simon Grant, head of membership.

“We have moved from the agricultural age to the industrial, and then to the information age, but what is coming next? Whatever we decide to call it, how do we capitalise on this change and not get left behind?”

Last year’s Graduate of the Year winner Charlie Shandil, from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, attended the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

“The award provides the opportunity for emerging leaders across the public service to be recognised for their achievements – achievements that despite being in the backdrop of the political arena, drive significant public policy outcomes for a sustainable and prosperous future.”

Matt Cahill, also from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, won the Outstanding Contribution to Public Administration Award and also attended the John F Kennedy School of Government using his prize, where he says he was able as a senior leader to “stand back, reflect on and invest in my leadership. The experience was nothing short of fantastic and the learnings I continue to apply daily”.

Nominations and information at charteredaccountantsanz.com/LGA