ACT Government Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

ACT Government has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, operations, and staff coordination.

Driven by a commitment to public service, ACT Government provides comprehensive public services including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and legal services to residents of the Australian Capital Territory, supporting the territory's governance and development across multiple sectors.

Leadership Roles at ACT Government

  • Chief Executive Officer - Coralie McAlister
  • Chief Financial Officer - Lauren Callaghan
  • Chief Operating Officer - Chris Reynolds
  • Chief Operating Officer, Health & Community Services Directorate - Daniel Riley
  • Chief Information Officer - Veronica Morados
  • Chief of Staff - Hannah Hughes
  • Chief Finance Officer & Chief Information Officer - Sharon Lu
  • Chief of Staff ACT Greens MLAs - Carol Bunt
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Mark Paviour
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Maryam Howe
  • Coralie McAlister - Chief Executive Officer

    Coralie McAlister, the Chief Executive Officer at ACT Government, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the territory's governance. McAlister oversees the integration of public services, ensuring alignment with the ACT's development goals and resident needs. This leadership role involves coordinating departmental efforts across healthcare, education, infrastructure, and legal services. Coralie McAlister drives the implementation of policies that enhance the territory's economic and social well-being. The Chief Executive Officer ensures efficient resource allocation and fosters a culture of public service excellence throughout the government structure. This executive champions initiatives that advance the ACT's position as a leading territory in Australia, focusing on sustainable growth and community development.

    Lauren Callaghan - Chief Financial Officer

    Lauren Callaghan, the Chief Financial Officer at ACT Government, manages the financial health and fiscal strategy of the territory. Callaghan oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring responsible allocation of resources across public services. This critical role involves directing financial operations for sectors including medical services, legal administration, and information technology. Lauren Callaghan drives initiatives to optimize financial performance and maintain fiscal sustainability for the Australian Capital Territory. The Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with financial regulations and provides strategic financial guidance to support the government's development and governance objectives, safeguarding the territory's economic stability.

    Chris Reynolds - Chief Operating Officer

    Chris Reynolds, the Chief Operating Officer at ACT Government, directs the operational efficiency and service delivery across various government functions. Reynolds oversees the execution of strategic plans, ensuring seamless coordination between departments responsible for infrastructure, education, and public administration. This leadership position involves optimizing resource utilization and streamlining processes to enhance the effectiveness of public services throughout the Australian Capital Territory. Chris Reynolds drives operational improvements that support the territory's governance and development goals. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that day-to-day operations align with the ACT Government's mission to provide comprehensive and high-quality services to residents.

    Daniel Riley - Chief Operating Officer, Health & Community Services Directorate

    Daniel Riley, the Chief Operating Officer, Health & Community Services Directorate at ACT Government, directs the operational execution of health and community support services. Riley oversees the efficient delivery of medical services and social programs, ensuring they meet the needs of the Australian Capital Territory's residents. This leadership position involves optimizing resource allocation and streamlining processes within the health and community services sectors. Daniel Riley drives initiatives to enhance service quality and accessibility, focusing on improving public health outcomes and community well-being. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that the directorate's operations align with the government's commitment to providing comprehensive care and support.

    Veronica Morados - Chief Information Officer

    Veronica Morados, the Chief Information Officer at ACT Government, architects the territory's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Morados directs the management of information systems, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and efficient data governance across all government departments. This leadership position involves overseeing the implementation of IT infrastructure that supports public services in healthcare, education, and legal administration. Veronica Morados drives innovation in technology solutions to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency for the Australian Capital Territory. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technology investments align with the government's broader objectives for governance and development, focusing on scalable and secure digital platforms.

    Hannah Hughes - Chief of Staff

    Hannah Hughes, the Chief of Staff at ACT Government, provides strategic support and operational coordination for executive leadership. Hughes manages the flow of information and priorities, ensuring effective communication and alignment across key government initiatives. This role involves facilitating the execution of the Chief Executive Officer's agenda and supporting departmental directors in achieving their objectives. Hannah Hughes drives the efficiency of executive decision-making processes and oversees special projects critical to the territory's governance and development. The Chief of Staff ensures that the executive office operates with maximum effectiveness, contributing to the overall success of public service delivery in the Australian Capital Territory.

    Sharon Lu - Chief Finance Officer & Chief Information Officer

    Sharon Lu, the Chief Finance Officer & Chief Information Officer at ACT Government, integrates financial management with technology strategy to drive operational excellence. Lu oversees both the financial health and the digital infrastructure of the territory, ensuring synergistic alignment between fiscal planning and IT resource allocation. This dual leadership role involves directing financial operations and information systems to support comprehensive public services in healthcare, education, and legal administration. Sharon Lu champions initiatives that leverage technology for financial efficiency and data-driven decision-making across the Australian Capital Territory. The combined role ensures robust governance and development through integrated financial and technological oversight.

    Carol Bunt - Chief of Staff ACT Greens MLAs

    Carol Bunt, the Chief of Staff ACT Greens MLAs at ACT Government, provides strategic and operational support to the ACT Greens parliamentary members. Bunt manages the legislative agenda and communication strategies for the MLAs, ensuring their policy objectives are effectively advanced. This role involves coordinating research, policy development, and stakeholder engagement to support the Greens' contribution to territory governance. Carol Bunt drives the efficient functioning of the Greens' parliamentary office, facilitating their work in areas such as environmental policy and social justice. The Chief of Staff ensures that the ACT Greens MLAs are well-supported in their efforts to represent constituents and shape policy for the Australian Capital Territory.

    Mark Paviour - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Mark Paviour, the Deputy Chief of Staff at ACT Government, assists the Chief of Staff in managing executive operations and strategic priorities. Paviour supports the coordination of departmental activities and ensures the smooth execution of key government initiatives. This role involves facilitating communication and collaboration among various government bodies to achieve territorial objectives. Mark Paviour contributes to the efficient functioning of the executive office, helping to drive forward the ACT Government's agenda for public service delivery and development. The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a crucial part in maintaining operational momentum and supporting leadership in governance.

    Maryam Howe - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Maryam Howe, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at ACT Government, supports the Chief Information Officer in overseeing the territory's technology infrastructure and digital services. Howe assists in the implementation of IT strategies, focusing on enhancing cybersecurity and data management across government operations. This position involves contributing to the development and maintenance of information systems that support public services in healthcare, education, and legal administration. Maryam Howe plays a key role in driving technological advancements that improve efficiency and service delivery for the Australian Capital Territory. The Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures the reliability and security of the government's digital platforms.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding ACT Government Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads ACT Government?
    ACT Government is led by Coralie McAlister (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Lauren Callaghan (Chief Financial Officer) and Chris Reynolds (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of ACT Government’s executive team?
    The executive team of ACT Government includes leaders such as Coralie McAlister (Chief Executive Officer), Lauren Callaghan (Chief Financial Officer), Chris Reynolds (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does ACT Government have?
    ACT Government has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in ACT Government’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of ACT Government includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Health & Community Services Directorate, Chief Information Officer.