ACT Government Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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 - Don Shashika
  • Executive Group Manager - Chief Financial Officer - Helen Stoddart
  • Executive Group Manager - Chief Operating Officer - Daniel Ackland
  • Chief Operating Officer, Health & Community Services Directorate - Daniel Riley
  • Chief of Staff - Hannah Hughes
  • Chief Information Officer - Christopher Norman
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Maryam Howe
  • Chief Finance Officer & Chief Information Officer - Sharon Lu
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Mark Paviour
  • 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 all government departments, ensuring alignment with the territory's development goals and public service mandates. This leadership position involves driving policy implementation across healthcare, education, infrastructure, and legal services, directly impacting resident well-being and territorial advancement. McAlister's focus remains on enhancing service delivery efficiency and fostering innovation within public administration. The Chief Executive Officer's role is central to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the ACT Government's operations, ensuring robust governance and sustainable growth for the territory. Coralie McAlister's leadership ensures the government effectively serves its constituents.

    Don Shashika - Chief Financial Officer

    Don Shashika, the Chief Financial Officer at ACT Government, manages the financial health and fiscal strategy of the Australian Capital Territory. Shashika oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation across government departments, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This role is critical for supporting the comprehensive public services provided, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to financial reporting, risk management, and optimizing financial operations to maximize the impact of public funds. Don Shashika's expertise ensures the efficient management of the territory's finances, underpinning the government's capacity to deliver essential services and drive economic progress.

    Helen Stoddart - Executive Group Manager - Chief Financial Officer

    Helen Stoddart, the Executive Group Manager - Chief Financial Officer at ACT Government, plays a crucial role in managing the territory's financial resources and fiscal planning. Stoddart oversees financial operations, ensuring compliance and driving efficiency in budget management across government functions. This position is vital for supporting the delivery of essential public services, including education and infrastructure projects. The Chief Financial Officer's focus includes financial reporting, risk assessment, and optimizing financial strategies to support the territory's economic development. Helen Stoddart's financial acumen ensures the robust management of public funds, underpinning the ACT Government's capacity to serve its residents.

    Daniel Ackland - Executive Group Manager - Chief Operating Officer

    Daniel Ackland, the Executive Group Manager - Chief Operating Officer at ACT Government, oversees the operational efficiency and service delivery across various government departments. Ackland focuses on optimizing internal processes and resource management to ensure the effective provision of public services, including infrastructure and legal administration. This leadership role is crucial for streamlining operations and enhancing the overall productivity of the territory's administrative functions. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities involve strategic planning for operational improvements and ensuring seamless coordination between different government entities. Daniel Ackland's management drives operational excellence, supporting the ACT Government's mission to serve its residents effectively.

    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 ensures the efficient delivery of critical healthcare and social programs, managing resources and optimizing service pathways for residents. This role is paramount to the effectiveness of the territory's health system and community support networks. The Chief Operating Officer's focus is on enhancing service quality, accessibility, and responsiveness within these vital directorates. Daniel Riley's operational leadership ensures that the Health & Community Services Directorate functions with maximum efficacy, directly contributing to the well-being of the Australian Capital Territory's population.

    Hannah Hughes - Chief of Staff

    Hannah Hughes, the Chief of Staff at ACT Government, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the executive leadership team. Hughes manages the flow of information and priorities, ensuring efficient decision-making and effective implementation of government initiatives. This role involves close collaboration with various directorates to facilitate cross-departmental projects and address complex governance challenges. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include overseeing administrative functions, managing stakeholder relations, and driving key strategic priorities. Hannah Hughes's operational oversight is vital for maintaining the smooth functioning of the government's administrative machinery and supporting the delivery of public services across the Australian Capital Territory.

    Christopher Norman - Chief Information Officer

    Christopher Norman, the Chief Information Officer at ACT Government, leads the territory's information technology strategy and digital transformation efforts. Norman oversees the development and implementation of robust IT infrastructure, ensuring secure and efficient data management across all government services, including healthcare and education. This position is crucial for enhancing digital service delivery and supporting the territory's technological advancement. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities encompass cybersecurity, IT operations, and innovation in digital solutions to improve public administration and resident engagement. Christopher Norman's strategic direction drives the modernization of IT systems, enabling the ACT Government to operate more effectively and securely.
    Christopher Norman

    Maryam Howe - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Maryam Howe, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at ACT Government, supports the Chief Information Officer in executing the territory's technology vision. Howe assists in managing IT operations, cybersecurity initiatives, and the deployment of digital solutions that enhance public services. This role is integral to ensuring the reliability and security of the ACT Government's IT systems, supporting critical functions in healthcare, education, and legal administration. The Deputy Chief Information Officer's contributions are vital for maintaining operational continuity and driving technological improvements. Maryam Howe's work directly supports the modernization of government IT infrastructure, ensuring efficient and secure service delivery to residents of the Australian Capital Territory.

    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 management and its information technology infrastructure. Lu integrates financial strategy with technological innovation, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support digital transformation and public service delivery. This unique position requires a comprehensive understanding of both fiscal operations and IT systems, critical for areas like healthcare and education. The dual role emphasizes efficiency and strategic alignment across finance and technology departments. Sharon Lu's leadership drives synergistic advancements, optimizing both financial performance and technological capabilities for the ACT Government's comprehensive service provision.

    Mark Paviour - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Mark Paviour, the Deputy Chief of Staff at ACT Government, supports the Chief of Staff in managing executive priorities and operational coordination. Paviour assists in facilitating communication and ensuring the smooth execution of strategic initiatives across government departments. This role is key to maintaining organizational efficiency and supporting the leadership team's objectives. The Deputy Chief of Staff's responsibilities include contributing to policy development support and managing key projects that advance the territory's governance agenda. Mark Paviour's efforts enhance the operational capacity of the Chief of Staff's office, ensuring effective support for the ACT Government's public service delivery.

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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 Don Shashika (Chief Financial Officer) and Helen Stoddart (Executive Group Manager - Chief Financial 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), Don Shashika (Chief Financial Officer), Helen Stoddart (Executive Group Manager - Chief Financial 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, Executive Group Manager - Chief Financial Officer, Executive Group Manager - Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Health & Community Services Directorate.