A long term Territorian with a clear strategic vision of a strong and sustainable Northern Territory Public Service (NTPS) has been appointed as the new Commissioner for Public Employment.
Following a national recruitment process, Ms Nicole Hurwood, who has 30 years of public service experience, will take up the role. Ms Hurwood’s most recent roles include serving as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Strategic and Enabling Services in the Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities, and supporting NT Health through their system realignment through organisational redesign and change management.
Ms Hurwood will commence in the role on Monday 11 March 2024, taking on from Adjunct Professor Joanne Norton who has been the Acting Commissioner since September and has sustained the important work of the Office of Public Employment.
Ms Hurwood has a clear strategic vision to build a strong NTPS, including a focus to increase employment and career opportunities for Aboriginal Territorians, into the future.
Ms Hurwood replaces former Commissioner Vicki Telfer PSM, who served the Northern Territory Public Sector for four years between September 2019 and September 2023.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Employment, Selena Uibo:
“I welcome Ms Hurwood into the role with the wealth of experience she brings as a long term public servant across a number of agencies and issues.
“I thank Jo Norton for the leadership and dedication to the public service which she has shown in the six-month acting role.”
