Today, the Secretary of my Department Ray Griggs AO CSC has announced his retirement.
Mr Griggs has had an exemplary career, with 46-years of public service across multiple departments and agencies, and the Royal Australian Navy.
Mr Griggs joined the Department of Social Services in 2021 and has led the Department through many important reforms that have improved the lives of Australians.
In my time as Minister, I have worked with Mr Griggs to oversee important changes the Paid Parental leave Scheme, increases to Commonwealth Rent Assistance and a range of payments - including Single Parenting Payment, as well as work on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children and making permanent the Leaving Violence program.
Together, we also worked across Government to coordinate the response to the final report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, as well as making important improvements to the National Redress Scheme.
Mr Griggs has also worked hard to change the culture within the Department, putting people at the centre of policy development.
I thank Mr Griggs for his work, counsel and friendship. I have been able to witness his passion for making people's lives better through our time working together and I wish him all the best for his future endeavours.
Mr Griggs will step down toward the end of the year. His replacement will be announced in due course.
