Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has been hired as a professor of practice at the University of Sydney. The 46-year-old joins the faculty of medicine and health, where the role will focus on empathetic leadership, social cohesion and civic trust. Ardern will explore ways to address global health challenges, inclusion and wellbeing, and will lead guest lectures and masterclasses. The university says the position is not a full-time teaching role. Ardern and her family moved to Australia in February, reportedly buying a $5.3 million home on Sydney's northern beaches.
Amanda Stoker has been appointed Queensland's Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. She replaces Amanda Camm, who stepped down from the role due to illness. Stoker previously worked at the private bar in commercial, administrative and corporate crime law, and served as an Australian senator. Her tasks include refining domestic and family violence laws, rolling out a perpetrator electronic monitoring pilot and expanding support for victims. Premier David Crisafulli said she will build on reforms begun by Camm.
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has been hired as a professor of practice at the University of Sydney. The 46-year-old joins the faculty of medicine and health, where the role will focus on empathetic leadership, social cohesion and civic trust. Ardern will explore ways to address global health challenges, inclusion and wellbeing, and will lead guest lectures and masterclasses. The university says the position is not a full-time teaching role. Ardern and her family moved to Australia in February, reportedly buying a $5.3 million home on Sydney's northern beaches.
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Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has appointed Amanda Stoker as the state's new child safety and domestic violence minister, replacing Amanda Camm, who is stepping down. Stoker will also take on the families, seniors and disability services portfolios. Camm cited the ongoing stresses of the role and her recovery from surgery in her decision, and said she had faced harassment and threats. Stoker has publicly expressed anti-abortion and anti-LGBT+ views, which has drawn criticism from Opposition Leader Steven Miles. Stoker said the role was difficult but that she came to parliament to do hard things.
The NAISDA Board has appointed Tahni Froudist as the organisation's next Chief Executive Officer. Her appointment takes effect on November 30. Ms Froudist is an experienced arts leader who most recently served as Deputy.
Altona North has named Mark Galea as its new coach for next season after Bob Stojcevski decided to step down following the state league 2 north-west season. The club credited Stojcevski with delivering a state league 3 championship and promotion in 2025, the club's 50th anniversary year. Galea, who played at the club many years ago, holds extensive coaching experience across junior and senior levels and is currently completing an AFC A Diploma. The club said his football philosophy closely aligns with its objectives and culture.
Michael Loche has been appointed coach of Westvale Olympic's senior men's team in state league 2 north-west. He joins from Williamstown, where he guided the side to the Cecil Earley Plate final this season. Westvale finished bottom of state league 1 north-west in 2026 and was relegated. Loche said the club could recover quickly and praised the existing players for staying. Bill Meletis will remain as reserves coach for the 2027 season.
CBS has made J.J. Watt its full-time top colour commentator for NFL broadcasts, working alongside Jim Nantz. Watt had been named a temporary replacement for Tony Romo, who left the network in August after an arrest in Wisconsin for drink driving. The two sides officially parted ways in early October. Watt, 37, first joined CBS in 2023 on its studio show THE NFL TODAY. CBS holds the broadcast rights for Super Bowl 62 in the 2027 season, and Watt is expected to call the game.
Career unionist Emma Kingdon will become the next president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions in December. The ACTU Executive named her president-elect on Tuesday, 20 October. She replaces Michele O'Neil, who steps down that month. Ms Kingdon has spent nine months as executive officer of the CFMEU Administration, which is rebuilding the union. Melissa Donnelly, the ACTU's new secretary, welcomed the appointment, describing Ms Kingdon as an experienced campaigner for workers' rights.
Theatre-maker Lyall Brooks has been appointed festival director of the 2028 Castlemaine State Festival, Australia's longest-running regional multi-arts festival. Brooks founded independent theatre company Lab Kelpie in 2012 and was most recently education manager at Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne. Originally from a small Gippsland farming community, he said he feels a real responsibility in the role. Castlemaine State Festival board chair Gary McClure welcomed the appointment. The 2028 festival will run from March 17 to 26.
NAISDA, a First Nations arts training organisation, has appointed Tahni Froudist as its next chief executive. Froudist was most recently Deputy CEO and Executive Producer at Flying Fruit Fly Circus. NAISDA Chairperson Mayrah Sonter said the Board was confident Froudist would keep community and First Nations creativity central to the organisation's future. The appointment follows the planned departure of outgoing CEO Kim Walker AM and COO Debra Schleger, whose executive appointments end on 30 November this year. NAISDA is based on Darkinjung Country at Kariong, NSW, and was founded in 1976.
Paul Kanaan has started as acting general manager of Nyaal Banyul, the Geelong venue. The Victorian Convention and Event Trust appointed him. He began the role on Monday 19 October, replacing Rick Aylett, who left on Friday to become chief executive at Melbourne Royal. Mr Kanaan previously headed food and beverage at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and has more than 20 years of experience. The trust says a permanent general manager will be appointed next year.
Former Labor MP Robert McClelland has been appointed National Anti-Corruption Commissioner, replacing Paul Brereton, who resigned two years before his term ended. Justice McClelland has been a Family Court judge since 2015 and was previously attorney-general under prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. Christopher Savundra, a former Australian Securities and Investments Commission executive director, will serve as deputy commissioner. Both take office in January 2027. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said the selection process was open, competitive and merit-based, and the parliamentary oversight committee approved both appointments unanimously.
Leongatha has appointed Cade Maskell as its senior coach, choosing a figure from within the club who has featured in each of its last ten grand finals. The club announced the appointment on Friday, praising his five premierships, past captaincy, assistant coaching role and several individual honours in the Gippsland League. Maskell will also be expected to develop the club's emerging young players. The timing is significant, as the Parrots lost three-time premiership coach Trent McMicking through resignation and have seen several players depart, including Jack Hume. Ben Willis has been reappointed as playing development coach.
Former Western Jets coach Torin Baker has been appointed the new coach of Williamstown, the Seagulls, for next year's Victorian Football League season. Baker said he felt lucky to take on a senior coaching role after eight years as an assistant. He described the club as a real family club with strong community ties. Baker said the club was in a good position with its playing list and that he was excited by the talent. He has already begun meeting players ahead of pre-season, including several he has coached before.
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Experienced rugby league administrator Tony Crowe will take over as general manager of Northern Pride on 2 November. The semi-professional Far North Queensland club is preparing for the 2027 season. Crowe previously spent more than four years as general manager of NRL Northern Territory. Before that, he was operations and pathways manager with NRL Western Australia. Crowe said he plans first to listen and learn, working with outgoing CEO Garreth Smith during the handover. Club chair Kym McPhee-Smith said his experience would be valuable in strengthening programs and pathways.
Balonne Shire Council has appointed Pauline Jacob as its new Chief Executive Officer. Ms Jacob was chosen from 51 applicants and has more than 25 years of experience in executive roles across government and other sectors. Her most recent role was Deputy Director-General of Fisheries and Forestry Queensland. She will start on 23 November 2026 and will work alongside interim chief executive David Burges, who leaves on 27 November. Mayor Samantha O'Toole said Ms Jacob's experience would help secure ongoing council funding and deliver services efficiently.
Justine Greig has been appointed the new Head of the APS HR Profession, a capability-building initiative within the public service. The initiative aims to strengthen human resources skills, standards and practices across federal agencies. Greig has been Deputy Secretary Defence People since June 2018, responsible for people strategy, policy development and service delivery. In the new role, she will foster collaboration across the service, advance professional development and help shape the future of the profession. APS Commissioner Jacqui Curtis said Greig would lead the profession well.
The Tasmanian government has appointed Sonya Pringle-Jones as the state’s first Commissioner for Children and Young People. Pringle-Jones will lead the new Commission for Children and Young People, which will strengthen child protection oversight and advocate for children’s rights. Attorney-General Guy Barnett said Pringle-Jones has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for vulnerable children. She began the role on 8 October, succeeding interim commissioner Ros Cornish.
