Crawford School of Public Policy

With an impressive repertoire of professional experience across the public and private sectors, the Executive Master of Public Policy gave Jeanette Corbitt the leadership edge.

When Jeanette Corbitt was tasked with building the digital transformation agenda and standing up the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) as part of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) taskforce, it was her first insight into public policy.

“Seeing how government can work together to make better citizen/residence focused services opened my eyes to new ways of doing things.” She reflected.

It was this project that sparked an interest in evidence-based, world leading public policy. The Executive Master of Public Policy (EMPP) at Crawford, allowed Jeanette to apply and build on her experience as a senior manager and supported her to executive leadership.

Now working in environmental policy, with a secondment with the eSafety Commissioner, the Master’s course equipped Jeanette with the tools and skills she needed for developing and implementing public policy and programs.

“Choosing your moment in presenting ideas is key to success, taking risks and opportunities when they present themselves, and if they don’t, create your own opportunities.” Jeanette said.

Her career started in the Australian Public Service (APS) as a trainee, before she worked her way up to a Director level. Despite her success at a young age, Jeanette decided to pursue opportunities in IT innovation and development.

After twenty years working for start-ups, governments and large blue chip companies to deliver global projects, when the opportunity arose, the Master’s course provided her the springboard to take the leap to the next stage of her career in the APS.
“It gave me a broad understanding of various policy areas, expanding my understanding and therefore opportunities in my APS career. It also introduced me to some wonderful people that I will remain in contact with for years to come I’m sure.” Jeanette said.

Jeanette’s experience throughout the EMPP was professional, personal and inspiring. She recalls previous Director, now Dean of ANU College of the Asia Pacific, Professor Helen Sullivan’s vision for the Executive program and considered it a privilege to be a part of such a special course.

“My most fond memory was sitting with my lecturers and guest speakers all day on Saturdays, discussing leadership styles, and ways to pitch and communicate policy ideas. They were all very inspiring and challenged the status quo, something I like to do.” She revealed.

Looking to the future, Jeanette’s interest in public leadership drives her to take risks and opportunities when they present themselves. Whether her curiosity will take her to further research, a new agency or a new initiative, if the opportunity doesn’t present itself, she’ll create it herself. With this leadership edge firmly secured in her repertoire, Jeanette now has the key to success.