Part 2Departmental overview

Senior executives as at 30 June 2018

Secretary, Rob Stefanic

Portrait of Rob Stefanic

Mr Rob Stefanic was appointed Secretary of DPS in December 2015, after 19 years’ experience in the parliamentary service at the NSW Parliament. As head of the NSW Department of Parliamentary Services for over four and a half years, he implemented service reforms and oversaw a major program of capital works. Mr Stefanic forged a strong cooperative relationship with the parliamentary departments to develop successive strategic plans for the Parliament and to achieve ‘whole of parliament’ outcomes. Prior to this, he served as Chief Information Officer for the department, overseeing the delivery of ICT, library, archival and Hansard services to the NSW Parliament.

Prior to joining DPS in NSW, Mr Stefanic worked for the Department of the Legislative Council at the NSW Parliament where he held a number of senior positions including that of Clerk Assistant, leading the corporate support function and Committee Secretary for various standing and select committees. Before working in the parliamentary environment he worked in the chartered accounting and legal fields. Mr Stefanic has a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Executive Master of Public Administration degrees.

Parliamentary Librarian, Dr Dianne Heriot

Portrait of Dianne Heriot

Dr Dianne Heriot was appointed as Parliamentary Librarian in May 2012, and subsequently appointed for a second term in May 2017. Prior to that, she was Assistant Secretary of the Research Branch of the Parliamentary Library.

Dr Heriot has many years’ experience in senior management positions in the Australian Public Service including in the Attorney-General’s Department and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Master of Arts (Medieval Studies) and Doctor of Philosophy in Literature.

Chief Information Officer, Antony Stinziani

Antony Stinziani

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for all ICT services across the Parliament and electorate offices. Mr Antony Stinziani commenced as the CIO at DPS in November 2017. Previously Mr Stinziani served in the role of CIO at Geoscience Australia. Mr Stinziani has more than 25 years of experience in government ICT and a strong track record of leadership with a focus on strategic alignment and transformation of ICT. Mr Stinziani is responsible for the current Parliament of Australia ICT Strategic Plan 2013–18 and for the development and implementation of the new Australian Parliament Digital Strategy 2019–22.

Mr Stinziani holds a degree in public sector management and ICT and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is also member of the Carers ACT Board of Directors and Carers Australia Board of Directors.

From 1 July 2017 until 10 November 2017 the position of A/g Chief Information Officer was held by Ian McKenzie.

First Assistant Secretary, Paul Cooper

Portrait of Paul Cooper

Mr Paul Cooper was appointed First Assistant Secretary, Building and Security Division in July 2017. Prior to this he had been acting in the role since June 2016. Previously, Mr Cooper served in the role of Assistant Secretary, Security Branch. Prior to these DPS roles, Mr Cooper occupied various roles within the Attorney-General’s portfolio. Mr Cooper is an experienced SES officer with an extensive background in security issues and people management.

Chief Operating Officer, Cate Saunders

Portrait of Cate Saunders

Ms Cate Saunders was appointed as Chief Operating Officer in December 2017. Before joining DPS, Ms Saunders was head of the People and Culture Branch at the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and prior to this she was Chief Operating Officer at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). Over an eight year period, Ms Saunders held a number of senior positions with the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Prior to joining the Australian Public Service in 2000, Ms Saunders worked in the private sector for Coopers and Lybrand and Ernst & Young.

Ms Saunders is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a graduate of the Institute of Company Directors.

From 1 July 2017 until 6 December 2017 the position of Chief Operating Officer, was held by Myra Croke PSM.