20 Government and Public Sector Leaders in Brisbane

Last updated: August 2026.

Brisbane is a city where public leadership is easy to see. State government, local government, integrity bodies, major infrastructure teams, health services and universities all shape the way the city works. If you want to understand why a public decision matters, it helps to know who leads the system behind it.

As of August 2026, this practical guide brings together 20 current government and public sector leaders connected to Brisbane. It gives readers a clear view of the roles, institutions and responsibilities that shape the city.

The group includes elected leaders, senior public servants, independent office holders, major project leaders and university leaders. Together, they show the range of work required to lead a complex public system and serve the communities that depend on it.

Use it when you are preparing for a public-sector conversation, planning a civic project, learning about Brisbane institutions or thinking about the leadership habits that help large systems serve people well.

Why government and public sector leadership matters

Public leadership is not one job. It is a network of choices about services, rules, infrastructure, safety, institutions and trust. Brisbane readers see the result in a road project, a hospital, a university, a council service or the way a public complaint is handled.

The work is also deeply connected. A transport decision can affect access to housing and jobs. A health decision can depend on public communication and local delivery. A university can strengthen the skills and research capacity that public services need. Seeing the leaders behind these systems helps a reader understand where decisions sit and which responsibilities are connected.

A local directory is useful because it makes a large public landscape easier to navigate. It gives a reader a clear starting point for better questions and more informed conversations, while recognising that many other capable public leaders also contribute to Brisbane.

1. David Crisafulli

Premier of Queensland, Queensland Government

David Crisafulli is premier of queensland for Queensland Government. The role sits close to state leadership and public priorities, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that the Premier leads the Queensland Government, chairs Cabinet and represents the state in the role of Chief Minister. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

2. Jarrod Bleijie

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Industrial Relations, Queensland Government

Jarrod Bleijie is deputy premier and minister for state development, infrastructure and planning and industrial relations for Queensland Government. The role sits close to development, infrastructure and industrial relations, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that his ministerial responsibilities connect state development, infrastructure, planning and industrial relations across Queensland. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

3. Adrian Schrinner

Lord Mayor, Brisbane City Council

Adrian Schrinner is lord mayor for Brisbane City Council. The role sits close to city leadership and civic delivery, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that as Lord Mayor, he sets a visible civic agenda that includes infrastructure, roads, public transport, housing and cost of living. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

4. Kerrie Freeman

Chief Executive Officer, Brisbane City Council

Kerrie Freeman is chief executive officer for Brisbane City Council. The role sits close to large-scale local government operations, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that the Council describes her as leading the largest local government in Australia, serving about 1.3 million people. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

5. Damien Walker

Director-General, Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Damien Walker is director-general for Department of the Premier and Cabinet. The role sits close to whole-of-government coordination, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that he is listed as Director-General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and ex-officio chairperson of the Public Sector Governance Council. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

6. David Mackie

Queensland Public Sector Commissioner, Queensland Public Sector Commission

David Mackie is queensland public sector commissioner for Queensland Public Sector Commission. The role sits close to public sector capability and integrity, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that he brings more than 35 years of public policy and administration experience to the commission role. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

7. Rachel Vagg

Auditor-General, Queensland Audit Office

Rachel Vagg is auditor-general for Queensland Audit Office. The role sits close to independent public accountability, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that she commenced as Queensland Auditor-General in August 2024 and leads an independent office that supports Parliament through audit work. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

8. Anthony Reilly

Queensland Ombudsman and Inspector of Detention Services, Queensland Ombudsman

Anthony Reilly is queensland ombudsman and inspector of detention services for Queensland Ombudsman. The role sits close to fairness, complaints and administration, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that the Ombudsman role is independent and impartial, with the office reporting to Parliament while helping improve public administration. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

9. Bruce Barbour

Chairperson, Crime and Corruption Commission Queensland

Bruce Barbour is chairperson for Crime and Corruption Commission Queensland. The role sits close to independent oversight and investigations, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that he was reappointed as Chairperson to July 2028 and has extensive experience in administrative law, investigations and public management. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

10. Simone Webbe

Ordinary Commissioner, Crime and Corruption Commission Queensland

Simone Webbe is ordinary commissioner for Crime and Corruption Commission Queensland. The role sits close to governance and accountability, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that her background includes senior Queensland Government roles in governance, accountability and public law. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

11. Sally Stannard

Director-General, Department of Transport and Main Roads

Sally Stannard is director-general for Department of Transport and Main Roads. The role sits close to transport networks and long-term infrastructure, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that she leads the department while Queensland plans transport and infrastructure investment linked to the Brisbane 2032 horizon. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

12. Mark Cridland

Director-General, Department of Housing and Public Works

Mark Cridland is director-general for Department of Housing and Public Works. The role sits close to housing and public assets, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that a Queensland Parliament tabled paper in March 2026 identifies him as Director-General of the department at 1 William Street, Brisbane. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

13. Michael Drane

Director-General, Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support

Michael Drane is director-general for Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support. The role sits close to public service leadership and continuity, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that he was appointed to a five-year Director-General term beginning in July 2026 after serving in senior acting and operational roles. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

14. David Rosengren

Director-General, Queensland Health

David Rosengren is director-general for Queensland Health. The role sits close to health system leadership, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that he has served as Queensland Health Director-General since November 2024, following senior clinical and health system leadership roles. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

15. Marianne Gale

Chief Health Officer and Deputy Director-General, Population Health, Queensland Health

Marianne Gale is chief health officer and deputy director-general, population health for Queensland Health. The role sits close to population health leadership, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that she took up the Chief Health Officer and Population Health leadership role in December 2025 after senior population health work in Australia and overseas. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

16. Brett Pointing

Acting Commissioner, Queensland Police Service

Brett Pointing is Acting Commissioner for the Queensland Police Service. The role sits close to public safety and organisational leadership, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

The Queensland Government appointed Brett Pointing to lead the Queensland Police Service from 21 February 2026 for a 12-month term, and the current QPS page identifies him as Acting Commissioner. This is a practical reason to keep him on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

17. Graeme Newton

Chief Executive Officer, Cross River Rail Delivery Authority

Graeme Newton is chief executive officer for Cross River Rail Delivery Authority. The role sits close to major project delivery, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that he has led the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority since 2017 and previously held senior Queensland infrastructure and reconstruction roles. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

18. Deborah Terry

Vice-Chancellor and President, The University of Queensland

Deborah Terry is vice-chancellor and president for The University of Queensland. The role sits close to university leadership and research, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that she has served as UQ Vice-Chancellor and President since August 2020 and has a long leadership history within the university. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

19. Margaret Sheil

Vice-Chancellor and President, Queensland University of Technology

Margaret Sheil is vice-chancellor and president for Queensland University of Technology. The role sits close to higher education and innovation, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that she has led QUT since February 2018, after senior roles including Chief Executive of the Australian Research Council and Provost at the University of Melbourne. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

20. Carolyn Evans

Vice-Chancellor and President, Griffith University

Carolyn Evans is vice-chancellor and president for Griffith University. The role sits close to higher education and public contribution, which makes it relevant to anyone trying to understand how Brisbane's public systems are shaped and delivered.

A useful detail about this role is that she has served as Griffith University Vice-Chancellor and President since February 2019 and chairs Universities Australia. This is a practical reason to keep the person on your Brisbane public leadership radar, especially if your work touches government, community outcomes, infrastructure, health, education or accountability.

What these leaders show us

The people in this directory work across different institutions, but several patterns stand out. Good public leadership joins long-term planning with everyday service, protects trust through independent oversight and translates broad policy into work that people can feel in their communities.

It also requires leaders to work across boundaries. A transport decision can affect housing. A university partnership can affect skills and innovation. A council service can depend on state funding and community trust. The strongest public systems make those connections visible, manage trade-offs openly and keep the human outcome in view.

The list also shows why leadership quality cannot be reduced to one style. Elected leadership, administration, professional expertise, independent scrutiny and project delivery all matter. Each role asks a leader to balance public purpose with clear decisions, sound systems and the daily experience of the people those systems serve.

How to use this list

Use this guide as a starting point for better questions. If you are preparing for a public-sector conversation, write down the outcome the relevant organisation is responsible for. This keeps the conversation focused on public value rather than job titles alone.

If you are planning a partnership, consider the institution's responsibilities, current priorities and decision boundaries. Then consider which other public bodies or community groups need to be involved. The most useful introductions are usually grounded in a clear shared outcome.

Public responsibilities change over time. Before using a name in a proposal, event invitation, media note or public message, make sure the wording matches the role you need to discuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this Brisbane public sector leaders list for?

It is for people who work with government, public services, universities, community organisations and civic projects. It is also for residents, students and business leaders who want a clearer picture of the institutions shaping Brisbane's public life.

What kinds of roles are included?

The directory includes elected leaders, department heads, council executives, integrity and oversight leaders, health leaders, police leadership, a major infrastructure executive and university presidents. They are connected by public responsibility and Brisbane relevance, not by one job title.

Why are university leaders included?

Brisbane universities are major public institutions with large communities, research capacity, professional education and partnerships across government and industry. Their leaders influence the skills, evidence and innovation that help public systems respond to long-term challenges.

Why does this list need updating?

Public responsibilities change over time. The value of a guide like this comes from returning to the people and institutions as Brisbane's needs evolve.

Conclusion

Brisbane's public leadership landscape is broad because the city's outcomes are shared across many systems. Government departments, councils, oversight bodies, health services, police, infrastructure authorities and universities each carry different responsibilities, but their work often meets in the same communities.

This directory gives you a practical place to begin. Read one profile, follow the linked role page and identify the public outcome that matters to your work. Then ask what kind of leadership, culture and coordination would help that outcome happen more reliably.

If your organisation needs help turning leadership ideas into practical behaviour, you can contact Jonno White at jonno@consultclarity.org.

Related Reading

If you are thinking about leadership, culture and practical alignment, you may also find these Consult Clarity resources useful: Working Genius FAQ, strategy and leadership consulting, and team offsite enquiry.

A practical next step

Choose one organisation from this directory and write down the public outcome it is responsible for. Share that question in writing with the person or team closest to the work, and ask what would make progress easier to see.

About the Author

Jonno White is the founder of Consult Clarity. He helps leaders build organisations people would move cities to work at, with practical ideas leaders can use on Monday morning.