New Department of Training and Workforce Development Director General appointed

• Senior public service leader, Jodie Wallace, appointed to Director General at the Department of Training and Workforce Development
• Five-year term commencing 30 November 2024

Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk is pleased to announce the appointment of Jodie Wallace to the position of Director General at the department.

Jodie Wallace's five-year term commences on 30 November 2024, following her appointment by His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia.

Ms Wallace has worked in the public sector for more than two decades and has held Executive Director positions at the Department of Training and Workforce Development for the last six years.

Her leadership was recently recognised at the 2023 Institute of Public Administration Australia (WA) Achievement Awards where she was named Leader of the Year working with a Division, Team or Organisation.

A skilled tactician, Ms Wallace was instrumental in landing negotiations with the Commonwealth Government, securing up to $1.3 billion for WA through a new National Skills Agreement, including $70.5 million to establish Australia's first TAFE Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence in WA.

Minister McGurk acknowledged Ms Karen Ho, who has served the department with distinction during a time of unprecedented demand for skilled workers and record publicly funded enrolments.

After her 35 years in the WA public sector Ms Ho will finish as Director General of the Department of Training and Workforce Development on 29 November.

During her time as Director General, Ms Ho oversaw the implementation of the highly successful fee free TAFE initiatives which saw record numbers of people develop skills in areas where they are needed most so Western Australians can get jobs and grow the economy.

Ms Wallace's priorities will include continuing to deliver a high standard of service to the WA community and accessible world-class training.

Ms Wallace has represented WA and training on various boards and committees including the Jobs and Skills Australia Ministerial Advisory Board.

Ms Wallace holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Australia, a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) and a Bachelor of Applied Science from Curtin University. She is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Governance Institute of Australia and Chartered Governance Institute.

Comments attributed to Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk:

"I would like to congratulate Jodie Wallace on her appointment to the position of Director General at the Department of Training and Workforce Development.

"Ms Wallace played a pivotal role in securing up to $1.3 billion for WA through the National Skills Agreement with the Commonwealth Government.

"I look forward to continuing to work with Ms Wallace who has a results-driven approach and has a strong track record of delivering meaningful initiatives that make positive changes to lives of those who need it most.

"I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of Ms Karen Ho who has served the people of WA for more than three decades.  

"Her leadership and contribution to the State are highly valued."