The Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) ACT is thrilled to announce the appointment of Tony Cook PSM, Secretary of the Australian Government Department of Education, as its new President.

IPAA ACT CEO Kate Driver welcomed the appointment, noting that Tony’s extensive experience aligns closely with the organisation’s mission.

“Tony’s passion for public administration and the people who work in that system is clear. At IPAA, we focus on stewarding public service careers and lifting public sector capability – aims that match perfectly with Tony’s breadth of knowledge and skills both as an experienced senior leader in the State and Federal public sectors, alongside his passion as a former educator for seeing our future leaders thrive.” Ms Driver said.

In response to his appointment, Tony spoke about his motivation and enthusiasm to take on the role.

“As incoming IPAA ACT President, I’m particularly interested in supporting Commonwealth and ACT public sector professionals, researchers and others in our profession. We have an important role working as part of a bigger system. Our work starts with purpose and should always remain focused on that guiding light.

“Over the next few years, the harnessing of technology through artificial intelligence, the shifts in the geo-political environment, and the expectations of communities for high quality public services will all impact on the work of professionals in public administration. It is up to professional bodies like IPAA ACT to work with our stakeholders, partners and colleagues to prepare our profession to rise to new challenges,” Mr Cook said.

Following on from his recent comments at last month’s IPAA Future Leaders Hard Days, Hard Lessons discussion, Tony re-emphasised his commitment to the next generation of public sector leaders: “Enhancing the craft of public service and growing future leaders are strong interests of mine, and I look forward to working with IPAA ACT’s partners, leaders and National Fellows to support, celebrate and recognise the achievements of public sector professionals.”

Tony Cook brings a distinguished career spanning more than three decades across both state and Commonwealth jurisdictions. He has served as Director-General of the Queensland Department of Education, Associate Secretary for Schools and Youth in the Commonwealth, and Deputy Secretary in the Victorian public service.

In 2014, he was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding service in driving school policy and funding reform, and the year prior was made an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Council for Education Leaders. He is also a registered primary school teacher with a major in early childhood education and holds a Bachelor of Education from the Queensland University of Technology.

Tony commenced his term as IPAA ACT President on 2 October 2025 and will continue in that role for a period of 3 years.