Alumni Chapter Representatives

James Purtill, Queensland

Email: commissioner@premiers.qld.gov.au

James Purtill was appointed to the position of Public Service Commissioner in July 2006. His role of the Commissioner is to lead the development of a highly professional public service in the areas of organisational and executive capability and performance, public service reform and governance.

Prior to this appointment, James was Director-General of Queensland’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is the Queensland Government’s lead agency for environmental management. It was established in 1999, taking over from the former Department of Environment.

James has extensive senior experience in environmental management. Prior to his appointment to head the EPA, James was Director of Environmental Operations for the Agency. In this role he was responsible for delivering licensing, waste management, enforcement, compliance, community response, local government and industry support services.

James has had a life-long interest in the natural sciences and the environment. He attended The University of New South Wales where he graduated with a Science Degree with Honours in Applied Physical Geography. James later completed a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Queensland.