She Has the Courage to Lead
Podcast Series
“The Best Protection any Women Can Have is Courage”
Author unknown
About Our Podcast
She Has the Courage to Lead is a podcast featuring candid conversations with Australia’s most senior Government leaders, Ministers, and Commissioners, who oversee thousands of employees. Each episode explores what it means to lead with purpose, integrity, and courage in complex public sector environments. These leaders, both men and women, share their experiences, challenges, and insights on advancing workplace culture, supporting women in leadership, and driving meaningful change across government and the communities they serve.
You can listen to our podcast here!
We would like to personally thank Musician Safyk for our beautiful podcast theme song called “The Travelling Symphony”
Anthony Wing, Point to Point Transport Commissioner
Coming Soon
Anthony Wing is the Point to Point Transport Commissioner - the regulator for taxis, hire vehicles and rideshare in NSW. He was appointed as Point to Point Transport Commissioner in July 2019. As Commissioner, Anthony is responsible for administering and enforcing point to point transport law to improve safety and contribute to the creation of a more adaptive, innovative and competitive market for the whole industry. Safety is Anthony's priority. To ensure a safer point to point transport industry his strategic directions are safer journeys for all, ensuring industry compliance, easier industry services and future readiness. His focus is also on promoting a culture of accountability for safety across the industry. Previously, Anthony was Executive Director of Policy at Transport for NSW. He played a leading role in the development of the NSW Government’s point to point transport reforms and the establishment of the current regulatory framework for the industry that came into effect on 1 November 2017. As well as having significant experience in transport policy, Anthony was previously a General Manager in the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, responsible for customer prices and cost-of-living, as well as transport competition and access. Immediately prior to his appointment as Commissioner, Anthony was Executive Director of Social Policy at the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Anthony Wing has an MBA, LLB (Hons) and BSc (Hons)
Kylie Rendina, Assistant Commissioner, Australian Border Force (ABF)
Kylie Rendina is an Assistant Commissioner with the Australian Border Force (ABF), responsible for Targeting and Intelligence Operations Division. This includes three Branches: Border Targeting, ABF Intelligence and ABF International that enable prioritised and targeted action across the border continuum based on threat and risk. Kylie’s remit as an Assistant Commissioner has included managing workplace cultural transformation, safety system management, crisis and incident response, strategic and operational planning and now, border intelligence and targeting. Kylie’s strength in partnering for outcomes has been instrumental in leading reform within the ABF, forming a new multi- agency complex planning discipline, designing a new targeting model (Targeting 2.0) and leading many aspects of the ABF response to Covid-19 and overseas events such as Afghanistan. Kylie is an experienced leader in workforce management, innovation, crisis response, capability management and operations with years spent across private and public sectors in the fields of law enforcement and technology. Outside of work Kylie is mother to two teenage boys, who she sees as her legacy and inspiration behind her passion for social justice and change. In living her purpose, Kylie is a director on a board and volunteers for two organisations. All three organisations advocate and deliver services to make the world a better place for women and girls, driving systematic change towards gender equality and eliminating violence against women and children. Before the ABF, Kylie was a senior leader in a technology organisation, leading on service innovation and improvement and prior to that as a Federal Agent within the Australian Federal Police, leading complex multi-jurisdictional and counter terrorism matters as well as major law reform. Kylie is currently completing Chief Human Resources Officer program at Cambridge UK and holds a Master of Business Administration (Executive), a Diploma of Policing, Bachelor of Law / Arts (Justice), a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, and Harvard Kennedy School, Leadership in Crisis.
ACT WorkSafe Commissioner Jacqueline Agius
Jacqueline Agius, is the Work Health and Safety Commissioner for the ACT, serving as the independent authority until 27 April 2030. She brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked as a Senior Industrial Officer at the ACT branch of the Australian Education Union (AEU) and as a criminal defense lawyer. Jacqueline was first appointed Commissioner in 2020, following legislative changes to the Work Health and Safety Act in December 2019 that established WorkSafe ACT as an independent authority. From 2016 to 2019, she also served on the board of the ACT Work Safety Council, further demonstrating her longstanding commitment to workplace health and safety. Jacqueline brings a deep passion for work health and safety, backed by extensive sector experience and an unwavering commitment to advancing the safety, wellbeing, and rights of all workers across the ACT
State Emergency Services (SES) Commissioner Mike Wassing (AFSM)
The State Emergency Services (SES) Commissioner Mike Wassing (AFSM) is a highly experienced fire and emergency management leader with over 30 years of service. He has held senior roles in Queensland and Victoria, demonstrating exceptional leadership in frontline firefighting, community engagement, risk management, and disaster response. Starting his career in 1990 as a firefighter with the Country Fire Authority, Mike quickly advanced to key positions such as Assistant Emergency Services Commissioner and Acting Deputy Emergency Services Commissioner during the Black Saturday fires. He played a vital role in disaster management reviews and emergency response improvements in Victoria. In Queensland, he served as Director General of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) during crises like the 2019 Black Summer bushfires. He has also led the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, and Fire Rescue Service, earning the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for his leadership and fostering inclusive organizational change. Mike’s distinguished career includes receiving the National Emergency Medal for his contributions during events such as the 2009 Black Saturday fires, Cyclone Debbie, and the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires. Most recently, he served as Deputy Commissioner and Deputy State Recovery Coordinator for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and resilience in emergency management.
The Hon. Sue Cater is the Shadow Assistant Minister for Attorney General, Shadow Assistant Special Minister of State, Shadow Assistant Minister for Corrections, Member of the Legislative Council
The Hon. Sue Cater is the Shadow Assistant Minister for Attorney General, Shadow Assistant Special Minister of State, Shadow Assistant Minister for Corrections, Member of the Legislative Council. She is passionate about education and the opportunities it provides. She has a background in commercial law, public policy, and legal education. A graduate of the University of Sydney (with Honours degrees in both Arts and Law), Susan has had a broad career working as a solicitor with a major commercial firm and in-house, helping companies structure their affairs to achieve their goals. Susan has also worked extensively in public policy especially in the area of family policy. A former board member of the Australian Institute of Family Studies and the Family Law Council of Australia, Susan understands that strong societies are built on strong families. She believes that public policy should enable and empower family life. Susan spent many years lecturing in law to both undergraduate and post-graduate students at Macquarie University and the University of Sydney. She currently serves as Director of the Law Extension Committee of the University of Sydney. This podcast will be released shortly.
Tim James is the Shadow Minister for Small Business, Shadow Minister for Fair Trading, Work Health & Safety, and Building, and Member for Willoughby
Tim James is the Shadow Minister for Small Business, Shadow Minister for Fair Trading, Work Health & Safety, and Building, and Member for Willoughby. Previously, he served as Executive General Manager at the Menzies Research Centre, where he expanded resources, staff, and public profile. His government experience includes roles as an electorate officer for Joe Hockey MP and former Prime Minister John Howard, managing local policy, issues, community relations, and campaign strategy. As Chief of Staff to the Hon Anthony Roberts MP, he led staff, strategy, policy, and operations within the Minister’s Office and portfolio. In law, Tim was admitted in 2002, working as a paralegal at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, a commercial solicitor at Allens Arthur Robinson, and a legal advisor for Pfizer Australia. He also built a successful business career in the pharmaceutical sector, working for Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, ultimately serving as CEO of Medicines Australia. His deep roots and diverse experience make him dedicated to serving and strengthening the Willoughby community.
Ben Millington, Duty Commissioner, NSW Rural Fire Service
Ben Millington – Deputy Commissioner, Operational Coordination, NSW Rural Fire Service. Ben Millington brings over two decades of emergency management and community safety experience to his role as Deputy Commissioner with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS). He began his career with the NSW Police Force in 2000, where he led the Police Emergency Management Unit before joining the RFS in 2011. Ben has directed major state operations, including the 2019–20 bushfire season, COVID-19 response, and international firefighting deployments to Indonesia and Canada. A Churchill Fellow, Ben has studied global disaster response strategies and worked across the Pacific to strengthen regional preparedness. He has driven key innovations such as the Large Air Tanker program, night-time aerial firefighting, and the Athena bushfire intelligence platform. In 2024 he served as Acting Chief Officer of Queensland’s RFS, guiding significant reforms and strengthening volunteer engagement. His service has earned national honours, including the National Emergency Medal and Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal. This podcast will be released shortly.
Dr Hannah Tonkin Women's Safety Commissioner
The inaugural Women's Safety Commissioner is Dr Hannah Tonkin. The Women's Safety Commissioner provides leadership and oversight across the whole of NSW government to strengthen responses to domestic, family and sexual violence. The role fosters collaboration and coordination across the government, the non-government sector and the broader community, as well as giving victim-survivors a greater voice in the development of policies and programs. Other key aspects of the role include awareness raising, education and public engagement to deliver improved women’s safety outcomes. You can listen to this podcast here
Anna Booth Fair Work Ombudsman
With a distinguished career spanning over 45 years, Anna Booth is a trailblazer in industrial relations and workplace leadership. Her dedication to fostering harmonious, productive, and compliant workplace environments under the Fair Work Act 2009 reflects her unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and organizations alike. Anna’s remarkable journey includes serving as Deputy President of the Fair Work Commission for eight years, where she shaped critical policies and resolved complex disputes. Returning to her role as Director of CoSolve Pty Ltd in 2020, Anna continues to lead with integrity and vision. Her leadership extends beyond industrial relations. She has held non-executive directorships at ME Bank, IFM, and Slater & Gordon Ltd, where she served as Chair. As Patron of the Industrial Relations Society of NSW, her legacy continues to inspire future generations of leaders. You can listen to this podcast here
Larissa Waters Green Santor for Queensland
Larissa Waters is an Australian Greens Senator for Queensland, serving since 2018, and previously co-deputy leader from 2015-2017 and 2018-2022. She is the party's Senate leader, spokesperson on women, democracy, and the public sector, and co-convenes a parliamentary group on eliminating violence against women. Larissa led the push for a national integrity commission, with her bill passing the Senate in 2019. Elected in 2010, she became the first Queensland Senate representative for the Greens and made history in 2017 as the first woman to breastfeed in the Senate. An environmental lawyer, she previously worked in the community sector, advising on environmental protection. Larissa is dedicated to human rights, environmental conservation, and government accountability. You can listen to this podcast here
Kerry Chikarovski Former Premier of NSW
Kerry Chikarovski, founder of Chikarovski & Associates, is a prominent figure in politics and consultancy. She made history as the first woman to lead the NSW Liberal Party and serve as Leader of the Opposition from 1998 to 2002, championing initiatives like flexible work and mentoring for women in the public sector. Post-politics, Kerry established her consultancy to guide organizations through government processes. She holds multiple board roles and supports not-for-profits like Adopt Change and the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. A sought-after speaker and event host, Kerry balances her career with her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother. You can listen to this podcast here
Amelia Adams 60 Minutes Reporter
Amelia Adams has been a journalist for over 21 years, with more than 14 of those at the Nine Network. Before joining 60 Minutes in 2022, she served as Nine's Senior Foreign Correspondent in North America, covering events like the January 6 insurrection, earning two Kennedy Awards and a Walkley nomination. She has reported from war zones in Ukraine, Iraq, and covered the 2020 US presidential election, 'Black Lives Matter' protests, and 'Make America Great Again' rallies. As Nine's Europe and Middle East Correspondent, Amelia covered Brexit, the fall of Theresa May, the 2019 UK election, the Turkish incursion into Syria, and the US assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Her reporting also includes the Fukushima disaster and Christchurch earthquake. Amelia has occasionally hosted the Today Show and Nine's 6pm News. You can listen to this podcast here