Our people

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.

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.

Darren is a senior corporate affairs and public policy specialist with experience spanning the government and private sectors. He previously served as a Chief of Staff to cabinet ministers in federal and state government, including as the Chief of Staff to the Treasurer of Victoria. Darren’s corporate and industry association experience includes senior roles in the energy, finance, property and retail sectors.

Chantelle’s previous role was with the Center for Public Service in Washington D.C., where she led the development of transition-related policy and strategy for the Center for Presidential Transition. Prior to that, she served as Director, Cabinet Office in the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet. She also held roles in 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.