Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann

I would like to thank the Secretary of my Department, Jane Halton, for her 33 years of highly distinguished public service to Australia – in particular for her outstanding service in the Finance portfolio over the past two and a half years. 

Having served an incredible 15 years out of 33 as a senior Secretary, first in Health and more recently in Finance, Jane has made a major contribution to our country across a wide range of public policy and public administration areas.

Throughout her career Jane has diligently served governments of both political persuasions with great distinction – for a large part of her career in very central and high profile public service roles.

My own interactions with Jane have straddled both periods of Opposition and Government. 

At all times I have very much appreciated Jane’s professionalism, competence and good humour. Though it is fair to say that Senate Estimates is more fun with Jane sitting next to you rather than on the other side of the table. 

Personally and on behalf of the Government I would like to thank Jane very much for her wise and insightful counsel and support over the last two and half years. 

I wish Jane and her family all the very best for their future as they enter this exciting new phase in their life.