Leadership in uncertainty

Karl Kent OAM was appointed Deputy Secretary on 2 November 2020 and is now responsible for Corporate Services, providing strategic leadership across legislation, enterprise policy and governance, f financial stewardship, workforce capability, legal services, and the delivery of modern digital and infrastructure services and assets that underpin organisational performance and sustainability.

Karl brings more than 38 years of senior leadership experience across federal and state government, including two years with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) as Australia’s first Commonwealth Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) Coordinator. In this role, he led the national response to complex and evolving threats including child exploitation, illicit drugs, firearms trafficking and money laundering. Prior to this, Karl served as Deputy Commissioner, Specialist and Support Operations with the AFP, overseeing technical, specialist and scientific capabilities supporting enterprise operations and investigations. His portfolio included surveillance, intelligence, forensics, information and communications technology, and a range of technical, covert and discrete support functions.

Across his career with the AFP, Victoria Police and the Attorney-General’s Department, Karl has developed deep expertise in organisational reform, operational enablement and the delivery of complex capabilities. He is a strong advocate for innovation, continuous improvement and disciplined change, with a focus on aligning corporate services to operational outcomes.

Karl was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contribution to the 2002 Bali bombings investigation. In 2004, he led an Australian Police Disaster Victim Identification team to Thailand following the Indian Ocean tsunami, where he was elected Joint Chief of Staff and later awarded a Humanitarian Overseas Medal.

Karl is an IPAA Fellow and holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of New South Wales and an Advanced Diploma of Forensic Investigation from the Canberra Institute of Technology.

Nora O’Connor is a senior critical care nurse with a clinical background in intensive care and organ and tissue donation retrieval services, and a passion for person centred care. She has 16 years senior people leadership experience of large workforces in dynamic settings across the VPS and public sector. Particular interest in how organisational development principles coupled with accountable and authentic leadership, can assist teams to better navigate change.

Robyn is a people-centred leader who combines her passion for community with a strong strategic focus. Drawn to local government for its direct connection with communities, Robyn has been committed to strengthening relationships and delivering meaningful outcomes since joining Surf Coast Shire Council in July 2021.

During Robyn’s time with the organisation, Robyn has built strong networks across the shire and elevated Surf Coast Shire’s profile within local and regional strategic alliances. She has also placed a strong emphasis on effective and responsive service delivery.

Prior to her local government leadership roles, Robyn served as Deputy Secretary, Network Planning, and as Head of Road Safety Victoria within Victoria’s Department of Transport. She also held senior leadership roles as Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive of VicRoads.

Robyn holds a Bachelor of Social Science, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Kate Fraser is an accomplished leader with experience across public, private and not-for-profit sectors. She specialises in leadership, learning and organisational capability, with a strong focus on transforming workforce performance and service delivery.

Known for bringing clarity and momentum to complex programs, Kate takes a strengths-based, people-centred approach. She has led award-winning initiatives that build high-performing teams and is passionate about showcasing public sector excellence to improve outcomes.