Ms Patricia Faulkner

Secretary, Department of Human Services Victoria

Chair, National E-Health Transition Authority

Chair, National Health Information Group

Ms Patricia Faulkner was appointed Secretary to the Department of Human Services (DHS) in August 2000, continuing a varied career in both the public and private sectors. Prior to her appointment at DHS, Ms Faulkner was a Partner in KPMG Australia and a Director of KPMG Consulting Pty Ltd, having joined the firm in 1993.  Previously, she held Chief Executive and senior positions in major State Government agencies.  She has held a number of Board positions on Government Authorities and in 1996, chaired the Australian Prime Ministers Task force on the Future of Childcare in Australia.

As Secretary to the Department of Human Services, Ms Faulkner is responsible for a portfolio which encompasses health, community services, housing, aged care and disability, with a total budget of $10.85 billion (as at 2005-06), representing approximately 40% of the Victorian State Government outlay, as well as portfolio assets of $20.4 billion.

Ms Faulkner has a strong interest in public policy and public sector management.  She is a Victorian Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia, a National Fellow of the  Institute of Public Administration Australia, an Honorary Fellow of the Australian College of Health Services Executives, and chairs the National Health Information Group and the National E-Health Transition Authority.