Secretary Valedictory: Philip Gaetjens

Phil began his public sector career in Canberra in 1977 as a graduate from Flinders University. Across the next 45 years he played key roles at both Commonwealth and State levels, designing and implementing economic, trade and investment reforms that have helped shape Australia.

Phil’s roles have included working in central and line departments, at Parliament House as a Senate Parliamentary Liaison Officer, Chief of Staff to two Treasurers, and as the Inaugural Director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Policy Support Unit in Singapore. Phil also worked as Assistant Under Treasurer and Acting Deputy Secretary in South Australia’s Treasury and Finance Department, and as Secretary of NSW Treasury. He returned to the APS as Secretary of The Treasury, then Secretary of PM&C in September 2019.

After an outstanding career contributing to, leading and inspiring the public sector, Phil retired in May 2022.

We are honoured to host his Valedictory Address, and hope you can join us.