New Appointments to Social Inclusion Board

The Australian Social Inclusion Board – the main advisory body to the Federal Government on ways to achieve better outcomes for the most disadvantaged – has announced two new Board appointments.

Hanover chief executive, Tony Keenan, has been appointed as a Board member, while Dr Jeff Harmer AO, already a Board member, has been appointed as Deputy Chair of the Board.

The new appointments were announced by the Minister for Social Inclusion Mark Butler.

The Australian Social Inclusion Board Chair, Lin Hatfield Dodds, welcomed Keenan and Harmer to the Board.

She said that Keenan brings a wealth of experience in the Not for Profit sector to the Board.

“The Board is focused on understanding the causes and experiences of homelessness in Australia and is very fortunate to have the benefit of Tony’s specialist knowledge in this area,” Hatfield Dodds said.

Keenan also serves as Chairperson of the Australian Foyer Foundation, a Not for Profit foundation which helps to re-engage young homeless people in education and employment.

Hatfield Dodds also congratulated Dr Harmer, former Secretary of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

“Jeff’s leadership experience and knowledge in social policy are second to none,” Hatfield Dodds said.

“He has had an impressive career in the public service and has lead social policy initiatives in housing assistance, child support, mental health, disability, health insurance reform and programs for Indigenous Australians.

“I look forward to working closely with him in his new role as Deputy Chair.”

The Australian Social Inclusion Board was established in May 2008.

The Board says its continuing priorities include service delivery reform; measurement and reporting of social inclusion indicators; and place-based policy.

It says its new priorities for 2012-2013 include employment services, financial capability and older women and homelessness.

Board members are appointed for a term of up to three years.