Melissa Harris PSM has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Geoscience Australia, set to assume the role in February.
Acting Minister for Resources, Amanda Rishworth, announced the appointment, highlighting Ms Harris’s extensive background in land administration, planning, and geospatial transformation.
Harris previously served as a senior executive at Land Use Victoria for more than six years before being appointed as Chief Executive and Registrar of Titles in 2020.
Her contributions earned her a Public Service Medal in 2023 for outstanding service in geospatial and land administration reforms in Victoria.
“In her new role, Ms Harris will oversee the Government’s record $3.4 billion investment through Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity, which will help find those economy-making discoveries that will support future generations of Australians,” Minister Rishworth said.
A key priority for Ms Harris will be strengthening Australia’s engagement in the United States-led Landsat Next satellite program.
This initiative builds on more than 50 years of collaboration between Australia and the US on Earth observation and data sharing.
Minister Rishworth also extended her gratitude to outgoing CEO Dr James Johnson, who has served in the role for the past eight years after joining Geoscience Australia in 2006.
“Dr Johnson is a distinguished leader, and I thank him for his leadership and dedication to the organisation,” Minister Rishworth said.
“Dr Johnson’s term as CEO will be remembered for his strong commitment to scientific excellence, his leadership in the application of scientific data for decision makers in government and industry and for building enduring links with stakeholders across the nation and world. I wish him well in his retirement.”
