Monday 3 November 2003

RESIGNATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF CYFS

The State Services Commissioner, Michael Wintringham, announced today that Jackie Pivac, Chief Executive of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services, has resigned.

Mr Wintringham said the position of chief executive of the Department of Child Youth and Family Services is acknowledged as one of the most challenging Public Service roles.

"The recently released First Principles Baseline Review of CYFS acknowledged a number of the challenges facing the department and recommended an extensive programme of change for the next three years.

"Ms Pivac believes it is in the wider interests of the department, and its clients, to have another chief executive in place to lead the department's change process through to its conclusion.

"Ms Pivac had been Chief Executive of the department since October 1999. Her contract was due to expire in September 2004.

"I have been aware for a week that Ms Pivac was considering relinquishing her role early, in order to allow a new chief executive to lead the full implementation of the change process. I fully support her difficult decision.

"I respect her resolve to do what she believes is best for her department and the communities it serves by stepping aside at this time.

"As Chief Executive, Ms Pivac has had to manage a number of very difficult issues, often in the glare of the media spotlight.

"Under her leadership the department has made progress implementing a number of initiatives, for example the three year New Directions programme, which addresses the recommendations made by former Principal Youth Court Judge Mick Brown. The new chief executive will build on this work by leading the changes recommended by the Baseline Review.

"I will agree with Ms Pivac the date for her departure. It is important to maintain stability in these circumstances, while continuing to progress the recommendations from the Baseline Review.

"I intend to move quickly to appoint a new chief executive," Mr Wintringham said.

ENDS

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