ACT Government Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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.

Leadership Roles at ACT Government

  • Chief Executive Officer - Coralie McAlister
  • Chief Financial Officer - Lauren Callaghan
  • Chief Operating Officer, Health & Community Services Directorate - Daniel Riley
  • Chief Information Officer - Veronica Morados
  • Chief of Staff - Benjamin Tomlinson
  • Chief Finance Officer & Chief Information Officer - Sharon Lu
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Maryam Howe
  • ACT Greens Chief of Staff - Guy Bromley
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Mark Paviour
  • Chief of Staff To the Speaker - Elyse Heslehurst
  • Coralie McAlister - Chief Executive Officer

    Coralie McAlister, the Chief Executive Officer at ACT Government, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the Australian Capital Territory. McAlister oversees the integration of diverse public services, ensuring alignment with the territory's developmental goals and governance framework. This leadership position involves managing inter-departmental collaboration to deliver essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. By focusing on efficient resource allocation and policy implementation, Coralie McAlister drives the ACT Government's mission to enhance the quality of life for all residents. The Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in navigating complex policy landscapes and fostering innovation across government functions, ultimately securing the territory's long-term prosperity and administrative integrity. McAlister's strategic direction ensures the government operates effectively across medical services, legal administration, finance management, and information technology.

    Lauren Callaghan - Chief Financial Officer

    Lauren Callaghan, the Chief Financial Officer at ACT Government, manages the financial health and fiscal strategy of the Australian Capital Territory. Callaghan oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation across government operations. This critical role involves ensuring fiscal responsibility, optimizing financial performance, and maintaining compliance with financial regulations. By directing financial management, Lauren Callaghan supports the delivery of essential public services, including healthcare and infrastructure projects. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities encompass risk management, investment strategies, and reporting on the territory's financial standing. Callaghan's expertise ensures the ACT Government operates with financial prudence, enabling sustainable development and effective governance. This leadership ensures sound financial practices underpin the territory's comprehensive service provision.

    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 efficiency and service delivery within critical health and community sectors. Riley oversees the management of resources, personnel, and programs to ensure the highest standards of care and support for residents. This leadership position involves optimizing service delivery models, enhancing patient experiences, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. By focusing on operational excellence, Daniel Riley drives the effective provision of healthcare and community services across the Australian Capital Territory. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include strategic planning, budget management, and fostering innovation within the directorate. Riley's leadership ensures the Health & Community Services Directorate effectively meets the evolving needs of the territory's population.

    Veronica Morados - Chief Information Officer

    Veronica Morados, the Chief Information Officer at ACT Government, architects the territory's technological infrastructure and digital strategy. Morados leads the implementation of advanced information technology solutions across all government departments, enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency. This role involves overseeing cybersecurity initiatives, data management protocols, and the adoption of new digital tools to support governance and development. By ensuring robust IT systems, Veronica Morados enables seamless provision of public services, including healthcare and education. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities extend to managing IT budgets, fostering technological innovation, and ensuring compliance with digital governance standards. Morados's leadership ensures the ACT Government remains at the forefront of technological adoption, supporting its mission to provide comprehensive and modern public services to the Australian Capital Territory.

    Benjamin Tomlinson - Chief of Staff

    Benjamin Tomlinson, the Chief of Staff at ACT Government, provides strategic support and operational coordination for executive leadership. Tomlinson manages the flow of information and resources, ensuring executive priorities are effectively translated into actionable initiatives across the territory. This role involves liaising with various departments to streamline operations and enhance inter-agency collaboration. By facilitating communication and driving key projects, Benjamin Tomlinson supports the delivery of comprehensive public services, including education and legal administration. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include advising on policy matters, managing executive schedules, and overseeing special projects. Tomlinson's leadership ensures the ACT Government's executive functions operate with maximum efficiency and strategic alignment, contributing to the territory's overall governance and development.

    Sharon Lu - Chief Finance Officer & Chief Information Officer

    Sharon Lu, the Chief Finance Officer & Chief Information Officer at ACT Government, holds dual responsibility for the territory's financial operations and technological infrastructure. Lu directs both financial strategy and IT governance, ensuring seamless integration between fiscal management and digital systems. This comprehensive role involves overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, alongside the implementation of advanced information technology solutions. By managing these critical functions, Sharon Lu enhances operational efficiency and supports the delivery of diverse public services, from healthcare to infrastructure. The dual leadership ensures robust financial oversight and cutting-edge technological capabilities for the ACT Government. Lu's strategic direction optimizes resource utilization and drives innovation across all government sectors, reinforcing the territory's commitment to effective governance and development.

    Maryam Howe - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Maryam Howe, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at ACT Government, supports the strategic direction and operational execution of the territory's information technology initiatives. Howe assists in managing the development and maintenance of robust IT systems that underpin public services, including healthcare and education. This role involves contributing to cybersecurity strategies, data governance frameworks, and the adoption of new technologies to improve government efficiency. By collaborating with the Chief Information Officer, Maryam Howe ensures the ACT Government's technological infrastructure is secure, scalable, and aligned with its service delivery objectives. Howe's efforts are crucial in maintaining the integrity and advancement of the territory's digital capabilities, supporting its mission to provide comprehensive and modern governance.

    Guy Bromley - ACT Greens Chief of Staff

    Guy Bromley, the ACT Greens Chief of Staff at ACT Government, provides strategic and operational leadership within the ACT Greens political context. Bromley manages the coordination of policy development, communications, and stakeholder engagement to advance the Greens' agenda within the territory government. This role involves advising political representatives, overseeing staff, and ensuring the effective implementation of Green policies across relevant government functions. By facilitating strategic alignment, Guy Bromley supports the delivery of progressive public services and initiatives. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include managing parliamentary operations and driving legislative priorities. Bromley's leadership ensures the ACT Greens' vision is effectively represented and advanced within the Australian Capital Territory's governance structure.

    Mark Paviour - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Mark Paviour, the Deputy Chief of Staff at ACT Government, supports the Chief of Staff in managing executive operations and strategic initiatives. Paviour assists in coordinating departmental activities, facilitating communication, and ensuring the smooth execution of government priorities. This role involves contributing to policy analysis, project management, and stakeholder engagement to advance the territory's governance objectives. By providing critical support, Mark Paviour enhances the effectiveness of the executive leadership team. The Deputy Chief of Staff's responsibilities include overseeing specific projects, managing information flow, and ensuring timely responses to emerging issues. Paviour's contributions are vital to the ACT Government's ability to deliver comprehensive public services and drive territorial development.

    Elyse Heslehurst - Chief of Staff To the Speaker

    Elyse Heslehurst, the Chief of Staff To the Speaker at ACT Government, provides dedicated strategic and administrative support to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Heslehurst manages the Speaker's office operations, coordinating schedules, communications, and legislative support to ensure the Speaker's functions are executed effectively. This role involves liaising with members, government officials, and the public to facilitate parliamentary proceedings and public engagement. By ensuring efficient office management, Elyse Heslehurst supports the Speaker's oversight of the legislative process. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include advising on procedural matters and managing key initiatives. Heslehurst's leadership ensures the Speaker's office operates with precision, contributing to the effective governance of the Australian Capital Territory.

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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 Daniel Riley (Chief Operating Officer, Health & Community Services Directorate).
    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), Daniel Riley (Chief Operating Officer, Health & Community Services Directorate) 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, Health & Community Services Directorate, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff.