Anthony Kannis has been announced as the new Director General of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
Mr Kannis has more than four decades of experience in the public sector.
He started working across several State Government central agencies, mainly focused on infrastructure investment, before joining Western Australian Treasury in 1996. In this role, he provided strategic advice to Government on infrastructure prioritisation and investment, in addition to the general resourcing requirements of public sector agencies.
Mr Kannis was appointed to the Board of Infrastructure Australia in May 2008 and was Deputy Chairman of the Western Australian Treasury Corporation from April 2009 until May 2013.
He was also a member of the WA Planning Commission's Infrastructure Coordinating Committee.
In October 2013, Mr Kannis was appointed WA Police Executive Director to lead a portfolio of specialist services including finance, human resources, business information systems, asset management, policy and legislation, and was responsible for over 1,000 staff including a combination of corporate personnel, technical specialists and some sworn officers.
Mr Kannis was appointed Program Director (now Managing Director) of METRONET in 2017 and since that time he has overseen the creation of eight business cases and the start of construction of multiple METRONET projects.
His multiple achievements include releasing remaining METRONET planning projects to market approximately 12 months earlier to assist with economic stimulation during COVID-19, creating a strong pipeline of work and jobs for WA, and championing the METRONET Aboriginal Engagement Strategy, Gnarla Biddi.
In additional changes, the Market Led Proposals team will also be moved from the Department of Finance to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage from March 1.
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"I am pleased to confirm Anthony Kannis as the new Director General for the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
"Anthony has more than four decades of experience in the public sector and has played a key role in a number of agencies including the WA Treasury, WA Police and most recently as the Managing Director of METRONET.
"Since coming on board METRONET in 2017, Anthony has established the METRONET team, completed eight business cases which have helped secure federal funding for our projects, and seen multiple METRONET projects begin construction.
"He has extensive experience in providing strategic advice on infrastructure and investment to Government, engaging with stakeholders and delivering significant projects, which will stand him in good stead to take on the challenges at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
"Anthony has established a cross-Government team of specialist experts with METRONET leading a cultural shift in the way Government, private sector and industry work together to achieve integrated land-use and transport solutions for the future of the State.
"I look forward to continue working with him in the Planning portfolio.
"I also welcome Ashley Vincent, as the Acting Managing Director of METRONET.
"Ashley has been working on the Swan River Crossings Project with Main Roads WA and has extensive experience with Government, having held key roles at Water Corporation for over a decade."
As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:
"Congratulations to Anthony on his appointment, I look forward to working with him on the Heritage portfolio."
As stated by Lands Minister John Carey:
"Anthony has a strong track record of delivery in Government, and I look forward to working closely with him on the wide range of critical issues in the Lands portfolio."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti:
"The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is an integral part of our State's operation - in planning for our future, respecting our past and creating opportunities for today.
"The McGowan Government has embarked on some huge reforms, including the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act and land tenure reform with the help of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
"I look forward to working with Mr Kannis to maximise the benefits of these fantastic initiatives for the betterment of Western Australia."
