Our people

Susan brings extensive experience across executive government, public service and academia. She is the former Deputy Premier of South Australia (2022–2025) and held senior cabinet portfolios spanning climate, environment, industry and education. Prior to entering parliament, she held senior roles in the South Australian public service, leading policy development, regulatory reform and major environmental initiatives. Susan holds a PhD in political science and has worked at the University of Adelaide. Her career reflects a strong commitment to evidence-based policy, system improvement and building the capability of those working in public life.

Anne is a political scientist, author and public commentator with three decades’ experience in academia, federal and state government and consulting. Her research focuses on the work of governing. She has written extensively on the political–administrative interface, governmental transitions, policy capacity and executive advisory arrangements – particularly the support needs of ministers – the role of the public service, intergovernmental coordination and public policy agenda-setting. She is co-author, with Patrick Weller, of the authoritative text describing and analysing the work of ministers in Australia, Learning to be a Minister: Heroic Expectations, Practical Realities.

Callie brings a wealth of expertise to this critical role. In her most recent role as Deputy Chief of Operations in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Callie oversaw more than 200 people. In the Prime Minister's portfolio, Callie led two significant transitions of Government in 2013 and 2022. She also brings practical experience as Chief of Staff to a Federal Minister, helping to shepherd a range of stakeholders toward significant bipartisan policy reform. Callie is a machinery of government expert and has supported countless Federal ministry swearing in processes, departmental secretary appointments as well as managing significant administrative changes across the Australian Public Service. As a social worker from Darwin, Callie brings a people-first focus to all we do in the governance space.

Gemma is a public purpose leader committed to building teams, organisations and systems that drive better outcomes for people, communities and our environment. She has over 20 years' experience working with governments on policy reform. She is a former Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group and has also worked at the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet on health and education policy, and the Department of Sustainability and Environment on major water projects. Gemma served on the independent pricing committee of the National Disability Insurance Agency. Gemma is deeply committed to mentoring women and building high-performing teams.

Chantelle is a collaborative leader, trusted advisor and executive facilitator with more than 15 years experience working in senior government, policy and project management roles in Australia and internationally. Prior to joining MKI, Chantelle was based in Washington DC at the Center for Presidential Transition where she led engagement with presidential transition teams, the White House and agency transition officials. Chantelle previously served as Director, Cabinet Office at the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet and held senior roles with the Victorian Department of Education and Training, and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.

Raj served as Chief of Staff to Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand Aotearoa. His tenure covered the 2019 Christchurch terror attacks and Whakaari White Island eruption, COVID-19 and the 2020 general election. He assisted with the new Prime Minister’s transition following Dame Jacinda’s resignation and with establishing the new Prime Minister’s Office.

Belinda and her team are responsible for brand strategy, campaign delivery, media engagement and events that support McKinnon in achieving its mission. She has previously held senior marketing roles at Macquarie Bank, Deloitte and ING delivering brand transformation, global campaigns and customer acquisition strategy. She is passionate about the role of government to provide equity and opportunity for vulnerable Australians.