Matt Yannopoulos has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Finance, filling the vacancy created by Jenny Wilkinson’s promotion to Treasury Secretary three months ago.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the appointment on Monday, September 8, confirming Yannopoulos will take up the role at the end of this month.
“I am pleased to announce I intend to recommend to the Governor-General that she appoint Mr Matt Yannopoulos PSM as Secretary of the Department of Finance,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.
Yannopoulos returns to Finance after serving as Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence since October 2021. Prior to that, “Yannopoulos was Deputy Secretary Budget and Financial Reporting at the Department of Finance,” Albanese said.
“In January 2019, Mr Yannopoulos was awarded a Public Service Medal for his substantial achievements as Deputy Secretary, Senior Responsible Officer for the Child Care Reform Implementation at the Department of Education. In this position, he provided policy and financial advice to the Australian Government on expenditure and non-taxation revenue policy issues. As an experienced senior leader within the Australian Public Service, Mr Yannopoulos brings diverse experience to the position,” Albanese said.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher also welcomed the appointment, congratulating Yannopoulos and highlighting his credentials on Instagram.
“Mr Yannopoulos brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of public sector governance, budget management and delivering outcomes for the Australian community. His leadership will be critical as the department continues its vital work supporting the government’s priorities and ensuring strong, sustainable public finances. “I look forward to working closely with Matt and the department’s senior leadership team as we continue the important work of delivering responsible budgets, investing in Australia’s future, and strengthening our economy,” Gallagher said.
Both Albanese and Gallagher also thanked Richard Windeyer, who acted as Secretary over the past three months, and acknowledged his continued role as Deputy Secretary of the Commercial Group at Finance.
Yannopoulos’ five-year term as Secretary will begin on September 29, 2025.
