CEO

Director-General, Economic Development Directorate and CEO of Land Development Agency

David Dawes has three important roles in the ACT Public Service (ACTPS).

Director-General of the Economic Development Directorate (EDD)

EDD’s budget for 2012/13 is over $65 million and the directorate employs around 220 people.

As Director-General of EDD, David is responsible for:

programs, initiatives and policy advice aimed at supporting economic and business development in the Territory;
preparation and delivery of the Government’s land release program, including the delivery of a diverse range of capital projects;
managing the Government’s tourism marketing and development programs, along with managing the Territory’s major sporting and recreation venues and events; and
leading the Government’s sport and recreation programs and policies.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Land Development Agency (LDA)

As CEO of the LDA, David is responsible for:

the development and release of Government-owned land for residential, community, commercial and industrial uses.

In 2012/13 the LDA expects to raise around $388 million in revenue and expend around $339 million; its profit after tax is expected to be approximately $70 million. The LDA’s staff total 100.

The LDA works collaboratively with EDD utilising shared staff in accord with the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations.

In 2012/13 the Government charged the LDA with a wholly new responsibility to progress redevelopment of the transit corridor between Civic and Gungahlin by coordinating and developing transit, urban planning and financial and delivery options.

Coordinator-General

In the role of Coordinator-General, David is responsible for:

coordinating government response to high value/high complexity investment/ development inquiries and proposals from the private sector;
advising government on systemic changes to policy/practice to improve the delivery of government priorities and on reduction in ‘red-tape’ to improve business and investment in the ACT and effectiveness of the ACTPS; and
undertaking cross-government coordination of complex delivery activities as requested by the Minister or Strategic Board.

David has led EDD since it was established in May 2011. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive of the Government’s Department of Land and Property Services (created in December 2009) responsible for implementing major government initiatives such as the land release program and aspects of the nationally recognised Affordable Housing Action Plan.

During this time, David also oversighted the ACT Property Group, responsible for managing and preparing long-term plans for housing ACT public servants. In addition, he led the Strategic Project Facilitation group which facilitated numerous private sector and government and projects including development of the National Arboretum Canberra.

David joined the ACTPS in April 2007 as Deputy Chief Executive, Business & Projects, Chief Minister’s Department.

Prior to joining the ACT Public Service he was the Executive Director of the Master Builders Association (MBA) of the ACT for nine years. In that role he represented the Association with industry, government and business groups including the Canberra Business Council, Local Area Planning and Advisory Committees and was a member of the Occupational Health and Safety Council.

During his time at the MBA, he was a founding member of OzHelp – an organisation which has now been launched nationally to prevent youth suicide. He commenced the ‘Housing for Life’ advisory service in the ACT and built the first ‘Housing for Life’ display house in conjunction with ACT Housing. In 2003 he instigated a single demolition package to assist the victims of the bushfires and was the Chairman on the Planning and Infrastructure Task Force and the Community Expert Reference Group which was established following the 2003 bushfires.