Released 20/04/2020 - Joint media release
The Director-General of the ACT Health Directorate, Mr Michael De’Ath, has advised that he will be leaving the ACT Public Service, effective immediately. Deputy Director-General, Ms Kylie Jonasson, has been appointed to the role of Director-General for six months.
“Michael is returning to Melbourne to be with his family at this difficult time. I have worked with Michael for three and a half years and know how deeply devoted he is to his daughters, who have each been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith.
Michael joined the ACT Public Service as Director-General of the Community Services Directorate in September 2016 and drove important projects, including the establishment of the Our Booris, Our Way review and an increased focus on early support for families and individuals.
After taking on leadership of the ACT Health Directorate in April 2018, Michael oversaw the process to achieve re-accreditation of Canberra Hospital, the restructure of ACT Health to create Canberra Health Services as a separate organisation, and implementation of the Independent Review into the Workplace Culture within ACT Public Health Services.
“Michael has been absolutely committed to leading cultural change across the ACT public health system and he can be rightly proud of what has been achieved to date. Cultural change takes time, but the recent climate survey results indicate that the Directorate is on the right track,” Minister Stephen-Smith said
“I am very grateful for the energy and leadership Michael brought to the Health portfolio,” said Minister for Mental Health, Shane Rattenbury. “Michael instilled real clarity of purpose for the organisation, providing clear direction and enabling our staff to do what they do best, delivering high quality health services.”
“We wish Michael and his family all the best for the future,” the Ministers concluded.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases