Kathy Leigh to retire as Head of ACT Public Service

Kathy Leigh, the first woman to lead the ACT Public Service, has announced her retirement after more than 12 years in the role. Leigh, who also served as Director-General of the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, informed Chief Minister Andrew Barr of her decision to step down.

In a letter to staff, Leigh expressed that her career in the public interest had been enormously satisfying. Her departure occurs amid industrial discontent within the ACT Public Service, as staff have rejected recent pay offers from the government. Treasurer Russ Campbell will serve as acting Head of Service and Director-General of CMTEDD while long-term arrangements are finalized.

Political reactions to the announcement have been divided. Canberra Liberals Leader Mark Parton criticized Leigh’s tenure, stating her retirement was “long overdue” and alleging that the public service had become politicized under her leadership. Parton claimed the distinction between the bureaucracy and the government had disappeared, describing the service as a “Labor cheer squad.”

Conversely, ACT Greens spokesperson Andrew Braddock welcomed the resignation, stating it provides an opportunity to “restore public confidence in the independence, professionalism, and performance of the ACT Public Service” by returning merit to the heart of leadership.