Two of Australia’s outstanding public servants have been recognised for their leadership qualities in the 2010 Leadership in Government Awards, hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (the Institute). 
 
The Chartered Accountants Leadership in Government AwardsTM showcase and celebrate outstanding achievements by Australian Public Service leaders.  
 
Andrew Metcalfe, Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, has been named the Chartered Accountants Federal Government Leader of the Year for 2010. 
 
“The Federal Government Leader of the Year award recognises a public service leader who has made notable contributions to society and the public service through demonstrating visionary leadership,” said the Institute’s CEO Graham Meyer. “Mr Metcalfe continues to manage a very difficult portfolio with expertise and humanity,” he said. 
 
Chair of the Awards judging panel, Mr Jim Service AO, said: “The choice was very difficult given the number of candidates with excellent credentials. What we do see is excellent leadership at the government service level.” 
 
Mr Metcalfe received his honours, including a trophy and a $40,000 sabbatical to invest in leadership development, from the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, during a presentation ceremony at Government House in Canberra today. 
 
 
Outstanding Contribution in Public Administration Award  
 
Dr Wendy Southern, First Assistant Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Public Administration Award. 
 
Dr Southern has worked in the Australian Public Service for more than 22 years and over this time has held senior positions in PM&C and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.  
 
The Governor-General presented Dr Southern with a trophy and a $20,000 sabbatical to invest in leadership development. 
 
 About the Leadership in Government Awards 
 
The Leadership in Government AwardsTM were launched in 2009 to showcase and celebrate outstanding achievements by Australian Public Service leaders. 
 
The Federal Government Leader of the Year Award applies to Senior Executive Service bands 3-4, recognising the senior leaders in the Australian Public Service who play a major role in policy formulation and strategic planning for a range of functions or programs. The 2009 winner of this award was Dr Jeff Harmer, Secretary of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. 
 
The Outstanding Contribution in Public Administration Award is a new award in 2010. It recognises leaders in Executive Level 2 (Senior Executive Service bands 1-2). Leaders in this band play a key role in the development and implementation of the federal government’s policy, planning and funding arrangements.  
 
The Leadership in Government AwardsTM is the only event of its kind in Australia.