ACT Government Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

ACT Government has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial management, operational oversight, and information technology.

Committed to delivering essential public services, ACT Government maintains a robust framework for healthcare, education, and infrastructure development across the Australian Capital Territory to ensure long-term regional prosperity.

Leadership Roles at ACT Government

  • Chief Executive Officer - Coralie McAlister
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Deputy Director, General (Interim) - Liz Lopa
  • Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer, ACT Courts and Tribunal - Suzana Stanojevic
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Jeremenko
  • Executive Group Manager - Chief Financial Officer - Helen Stoddart
  • Chief Operating Officer - Carolyn O'Neill
  • Executive Group Manager - Chief Operating Officer - Daniel Ackland
  • Chief Information Officer - Christopher Norman
  • Chief of Staff - Hannah Hughes
  • Chief of Staff To the Speaker - Elyse Heslehurst
  • Coralie McAlister - Chief Executive Officer

    Coralie McAlister, the Chief Executive Officer at ACT Government, directs the overarching strategic vision for the territory. Managing complex public service delivery, the Chief Executive Officer coordinates with various departments to ensure alignment with legislative mandates. Coralie McAlister oversees the implementation of high-level policy initiatives that impact healthcare, education, and infrastructure across the Australian Capital Territory. By fostering collaboration between government agencies, the Chief Executive Officer drives efficiency in public administration. This leadership role requires constant engagement with the Board and senior stakeholders to maintain fiscal responsibility and service quality. Through rigorous oversight of government operations, McAlister ensures that the territory meets the evolving needs of residents. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on sustainable development and long-term governance goals, ultimately securing the operational integrity of the entire public sector within the region.

    Liz Lopa - Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Deputy Director, General (Interim)

    Liz Lopa, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Deputy Director, General (Interim) at ACT Government, manages critical administrative functions and supports the executive leadership team. Overseeing the interim transition of departmental operations, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Deputy Director, General (Interim) ensures continuity in public service delivery. Liz Lopa coordinates cross-functional teams to address complex legal and infrastructure challenges within the Australian Capital Territory. By streamlining internal processes, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Deputy Director, General (Interim) enhances the responsiveness of government agencies to resident requirements. This role involves frequent interaction with senior policy advisors to refine service models and improve operational outcomes. Lopa maintains a focus on organizational stability and performance metrics, ensuring that all departments adhere to established governance standards. Through diligent management of resources, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Deputy Director, General (Interim) supports the broader mission of the territory.

    Suzana Stanojevic - Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer, ACT Courts and Tribunal

    Suzana Stanojevic, the Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer, ACT Courts and Tribunal at ACT Government, manages the administrative operations of the judicial branch. Coordinating between the courts and the executive office, the Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer, ACT Courts and Tribunal ensures that legal services remain accessible and efficient. Suzana Stanojevic oversees the implementation of procedural reforms that improve the functionality of the tribunal system across the Australian Capital Territory. By facilitating communication between judicial leadership and government departments, the Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer, ACT Courts and Tribunal supports the fair administration of justice. This role involves managing complex workflows and resource allocation to meet the demands of the legal sector. Stanojevic maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the courts operate within the established regulatory framework. Through strategic planning, the Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer, ACT Courts and Tribunal upholds the integrity of the territory's legal system.

    Michael Jeremenko - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Jeremenko, the Chief Financial Officer at ACT Government, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the territory. Overseeing the allocation of public funds, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all government departments maintain strict financial compliance. Michael Jeremenko directs the development of long-term economic strategies that support infrastructure projects and essential public services across the Australian Capital Territory. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer provides critical insights to the executive leadership team. This role involves coordinating with external auditors and government agencies to ensure transparency and accountability in financial reporting. Jeremenko maintains a focus on optimizing resource distribution to maximize the impact of public spending. Through rigorous financial analysis, the Chief Financial Officer supports the territory's growth and stability, ensuring that fiscal policies align with the broader objectives of the government.

    Helen Stoddart - Executive Group Manager - Chief Financial Officer

    Helen Stoddart, the Executive Group Manager - Chief Financial Officer at ACT Government, manages the financial reporting and accounting standards for specific government groups. Overseeing the internal audit processes, the Executive Group Manager - Chief Financial Officer ensures that all financial transactions adhere to regulatory requirements. Helen Stoddart directs the preparation of budget forecasts and financial statements that support the economic planning of the Australian Capital Territory. By providing detailed financial analysis, the Executive Group Manager - Chief Financial Officer assists department heads in making informed decisions regarding resource allocation. This role involves coordinating with the central finance team to maintain consistency in fiscal policy. Stoddart maintains a focus on cost-efficiency and risk management, ensuring that financial operations remain robust and transparent. Through diligent oversight of group-level finances, the Executive Group Manager - Chief Financial Officer supports the broader fiscal stability of the territory.

    Carolyn O'Neill - Chief Operating Officer

    Carolyn O'Neill, the Chief Operating Officer at ACT Government, manages the day-to-day operational efficiency of the territory's public services. Overseeing the execution of government programs, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that departments function in alignment with established policy goals. Carolyn O'Neill directs the optimization of internal processes to improve service delivery across the Australian Capital Territory. By coordinating logistics and resource management, the Chief Operating Officer supports the seamless operation of healthcare, education, and infrastructure sectors. This role involves working closely with department heads to resolve operational bottlenecks and enhance productivity. O'Neill maintains a focus on performance management, ensuring that all government activities meet the required standards of quality and timeliness. Through strategic oversight of daily operations, the Chief Operating Officer drives the successful implementation of government initiatives, ensuring that the territory remains responsive to the needs of its residents.

    Daniel Ackland - Executive Group Manager - Chief Operating Officer

    Daniel Ackland, the Executive Group Manager - Chief Operating Officer at ACT Government, manages the operational logistics for specific service delivery groups. Overseeing the implementation of departmental projects, the Executive Group Manager - Chief Operating Officer ensures that service standards remain high across the Australian Capital Territory. Daniel Ackland directs the coordination of staff and resources to meet the operational demands of the territory's public sectors. By streamlining workflows and improving service delivery models, the Executive Group Manager - Chief Operating Officer enhances the overall effectiveness of government programs. This role involves collaborating with other managers to ensure that operational activities align with the strategic vision of the government. Ackland maintains a focus on continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to increase productivity and service quality. Through the management of group-level operations, the Executive Group Manager - Chief Operating Officer supports the successful delivery of essential public services.

    Christopher Norman - Chief Information Officer

    Christopher Norman, the Chief Information Officer at ACT Government, directs the digital transformation and information technology strategy for the territory. Overseeing the modernization of government systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that digital infrastructure supports efficient public service delivery. Christopher Norman manages the implementation of secure data management protocols across all departments in the Australian Capital Territory. By integrating advanced technology solutions, the Chief Information Officer enhances the accessibility of government services for residents. This role involves collaborating with other C-suite leaders to align IT investments with the strategic goals of the government. Norman maintains a focus on cybersecurity and system reliability, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains protected against emerging threats. Through the deployment of scalable technology platforms, the Chief Information Officer drives innovation and operational efficiency, ultimately improving the digital experience for the entire population of the territory.
    Christopher Norman

    Hannah Hughes - Chief of Staff

    Hannah Hughes, the Chief of Staff at ACT Government, manages the executive office and facilitates communication between leadership and government departments. Overseeing the strategic agenda, the Chief of Staff ensures that the priorities of the executive team receive proper attention and resources. Hannah Hughes coordinates high-level meetings and policy discussions that shape the future of the Australian Capital Territory. By managing the flow of information and decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the effectiveness of the government's leadership. This role involves acting as a liaison between the executive office and various stakeholders to ensure alignment on key initiatives. Hughes maintains a focus on organizational cohesion, ensuring that all departments work toward common objectives. Through the management of executive workflows, the Chief of Staff supports the overall mission of the government, ensuring that strategic goals are met with precision and efficiency.

    Elyse Heslehurst - Chief of Staff To the Speaker

    Elyse Heslehurst, the Chief of Staff To the Speaker at ACT Government, manages the administrative and political operations of the Speaker's office. Overseeing the legislative agenda, the Chief of Staff To the Speaker ensures that the Speaker receives the necessary support to conduct parliamentary business effectively. Elyse Heslehurst coordinates communication between the legislative branch and other government departments within the Australian Capital Territory. By managing the Speaker's schedule and policy priorities, the Chief of Staff To the Speaker facilitates the smooth functioning of the legislative process. This role involves engaging with various stakeholders to ensure that parliamentary activities remain aligned with the broader goals of the government. Heslehurst maintains a focus on political strategy and administrative excellence, ensuring that the Speaker's office operates with professionalism. Through the management of legislative support services, the Chief of Staff To the Speaker upholds the democratic processes of the 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 Liz Lopa (Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Deputy Director, General (Interim)) and Suzana Stanojevic (Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer, ACT Courts and Tribunal).
    Who is part of ACT Government’s executive team?
    The executive team of ACT Government includes leaders such as Coralie McAlister (Chief Executive Officer), Liz Lopa (Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Deputy Director, General (Interim)), Suzana Stanojevic (Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer, ACT Courts and Tribunal) 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, Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Deputy Director, General (Interim), Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer, ACT Courts and Tribunal, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Group Manager - Chief Financial Officer.