Geoscience Australia Executive and Leadership Team

Melissa Harris, the Chief Executive Officer at Geoscience Australia, directs the overarching strategic vision for the nation's premier public sector geoscience organization. Harris manages the integration of advanced science and technology to enhance understanding of the Earth, ensuring that geological insights support sustainable development across the country. By aligning organizational goals with federal mandates, the Chief Executive Officer fosters innovation in earthquake monitoring and satellite data product delivery. Melissa Harris maintains high-level engagement with government stakeholders to secure resources for critical mapping projects. This leadership role involves driving operational excellence to support national prosperity and community resilience. Through the coordination of diverse scientific departments, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that Geoscience Australia remains at the forefront of geological research. Ultimately, Harris guarantees that all scientific outputs provide trusted, actionable data for public and private sector decision-makers throughout the Australian landscape.

Lucy Byrnes, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Geoscience Australia, manages the internal financial controls and budgetary allocations required for large-scale scientific projects. Byrnes monitors expenditure across various research departments to ensure alignment with federal fiscal policies and organizational objectives. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer supports the development of long-term financial strategies that facilitate the acquisition of advanced mapping technology and satellite infrastructure. Lucy Byrnes coordinates with project leads to track resource utilization and optimize the funding of natural resource assessments. This leadership position involves rigorous analysis of financial performance to maintain operational sustainability. By implementing efficient accounting practices, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer provides the transparency needed for effective resource management. Ultimately, Byrnes ensures that the financial health of Geoscience Australia remains robust, allowing the organization to continue delivering essential geological services that benefit the nation's sustainable development goals.

Simon Edmondson, the Acting Chief Information Officer at Geoscience Australia, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for processing complex satellite data and geological information. Edmondson oversees the deployment of robust technology platforms that support earthquake monitoring systems and national resource mapping initiatives. By managing the organization's data architecture, the Acting Chief Information Officer ensures seamless access to critical geoscience insights for researchers and policymakers. Simon Edmondson drives the modernization of IT systems to improve computational efficiency and data security across all regional operations. This role requires constant collaboration with scientific teams to translate technical requirements into scalable digital solutions. By optimizing the technological framework, the Acting Chief Information Officer enables the organization to maintain a competitive edge in Earth observation. Ultimately, Edmondson secures the integrity of the digital assets that underpin the mission of Geoscience Australia in providing trusted geological intelligence.

Michael Olive, the Chief Finance Officer at Geoscience Australia, oversees the comprehensive financial strategy and economic planning for the entire organization. Olive directs the allocation of capital to support critical geoscience research, including earthquake monitoring and national mapping programs. By managing the fiscal relationship with government bodies, the Chief Finance Officer ensures that funding levels match the strategic requirements of the organization's scientific mission. Michael Olive evaluates the economic impact of various geoscience initiatives to prioritize investments that foster national prosperity. This role involves high-level oversight of financial reporting, risk management, and budgetary compliance across all operational sectors. By maintaining fiscal discipline, the Chief Finance Officer enables the organization to pursue innovation in Earth science while meeting public sector accountability standards. Ultimately, Olive secures the financial foundation necessary for Geoscience Australia to provide trusted insights that empower communities and support sustainable development across the Australian continent.