NSW Treasury team and groups

Michael Coutts-Trotter first led a NSW Government department in 2004 and has gone on to lead 7 agencies.

He joined NSW Treasury on 14 April 2023 as Acting Secretary and on 22 May 2023 was appointed Secretary.

Before joining the public service, Michael was chief of staff to NSW Treasurer for 7 years.

Michael is a fellow of the Institute of Public Administration of Australia.

Joann Wilkie joined NSW Treasury in February 2019 as Deputy Secretary for the Economic Strategy and Productivity Group. She leads the delivery of economic and revenue forecasting, provision of advice on economic policy and reform as well as productivity, engagement with Commonwealth, State and Territories on key national reforms and issues. The NSW Small Business Commissioner and NSW Productivity Commissioner are also part of the Economic Strategy and Productivity Group.

Before joining Treasury, Joann worked in the Australian Public Service in Canberra for 20 years. During this time, she worked on agricultural policy in the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources; energy policy at the Department of Environment and Energy; gender policy in the Office for Women; regulatory policy at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Department of Finance and Deregulation, and in various policy areas at the Commonwealth Treasury, including business tax, productivity, industry policy and G-20 engagement.

Joann has a Bachelor of Economics (Hon) from Sydney University and a Masters of Public Policy from the Australian National University.

Joann is the mother of two children. She grew up in Bundjalung country, her children were born in Ngunnawal country and they all now live in Gadigal country. She gives her thanks to the past and present elders of the Bundjalung, Ngunnawal and Gadigal for nurturing and supporting her and her family.

Liz is the NSW Treasury Deputy Secretary, Policy and Budget. Prior to joining Treasury, Liz was the CEO of NSW’s main economic regulator, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

She is an experienced policy expert and has a wide range of experience in senior executive roles across government. This includes the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet where she led teams to broker natural resources policy. She was also a Deputy Secretary at the Department of Industry with responsibility for Crown land and regional water.

Liz has also worked as an economics and policy consultant in the private sector and started off as a graduate in the Australian Government.

Liz's various roles have allowed her to work across most sectors of NSW Government and enjoys working collaboratively to get better outcomes for the people of NSW.

Sonya is the NSW Treasury Deputy Secretary, Commercial. Prior to this role, Sonya was the Executive Director and Head of the Infrastructure and Structured Finance Unit at NSW Treasury. Sonya joined NSW Treasury in September 2018 after an extensive career in the private sector specialising in PPP and major project procurement.

Sonya joined NSW Government with a passion for improving the efficiency of infrastructure procurement and delivery. Sonya is a member of the IPFA Australia Branch Council, the NSW Construction Leadership Group (CLG) and Construction Industry Leadership Forum (CILF). Sonya is leading the way at the NSW CLG, working on a program to improve collaboration and risk allocation across the construction sector.

Sonya has worked on projects across multiple sectors including roads, rail, tunnels, hospitals, schools, telco, water and energy projects. For the past 20 years she has advised the government and private sector on commercial and financial planning, governance and risk management on large infrastructure projects.

Marina van der Walt is the NSW Treasury Deputy Secretary, Financial Management and Services; she re-joined Treasury in November 2022. She offers executive leadership and strategic direction for the Public Sector financial reporting, including frameworks and governance, Strategic Balance Sheet Management, including sustainable financing, social impact investment. 

Marina also leads the Treasury functional Groups:

• People and Culture
• Finance
• Information Technology and Communications.

Before joining Treasury, she was the Head of Assurance at Infrastructure NSW for 5 years, making sure there was improved oversight of the state's capital works delivery program and asset management. Marina held various roles in NSW Treasury between 2013 and 2017. She plays a key role for initiatives aimed at improving gender equality in the construction sector and improving the culture of the sector.

She has international experience in the public sector, consulting and investment banking of more than 23 years. 

Andrea Forbes is the Deputy Secretary of Procurement Reform and Banking. She is a public and private sector leader with extensive policy, commercial and leadership experience in banking, superannuation, and the public service. 

Andrea began her career at the Commonwealth Treasury, and has worked at Westpac, Aware Super, SunSuper, National Australia Bank and in the offices of a Federal Treasurer and a Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation. She holds an honours degree in economics from the University of Sydney.

Sam is the Executive Director of the Budget Division, responsible for oversight of the State Budget process and advice on fiscal policy. Sam's career in the UK and NSW public services has spanned public finance, banking reform and international development.

Julie is an information technology executive with more than 20 years’ experience across a broad range of industries including legal, utilities, engineering, and professional services. She has led all aspects of information technology functions, both in Australia and overseas. Julie has extensive commercial experience and is known for working collegiately with multiple customers and advocating for the best operational outcome.

The Policy and Budget (P&B) Group at Treasury is the main point of contact for working with NSW Government agencies. We give advice to the Treasurer and Cabinet Committees on financial management, policy reform, and resource allocation to help keep the NSW economy strong and sustainable.

We also look at financial risks and create strategies and policies to help shape NSW. This helps us prepare and deliver the annual State Budget and Half-Yearly Review.

Our divisions

Budget

We work with Treasury to advise on NSW financial policy and budget strategy. Our goal is to help the NSW Government provide high-quality public services. We coordinate the annual NSW Budget and Half-Yearly Review. We also advise Ministers and the public service and support the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet

Strategy, Delivery and Reviews

We lead projects that aim to improve economic growth, budget sustainability, and productivity. Major projects include:

• Coordination and implementation of the Women’s Economic Opportunities programs.
• Targeted reviews and reforms of public sector spending programs.
• Developing and evaluating programs related to COVID-19, cost of living, and other economic stimuli.

We also work on Treasury’s Reconciliation Action Plan to support and advance equality for First Nations Peoples.

Health and Stronger Communities

We manage Treasury’s relationship with Health and Stronger Communities to support better and sustainable services for the community. We provide strategic advice on financial management, resource allocation, and policy and reform priorities.

Strategic Policy, Education and Customer Service

We provide policy and budget analysis, and manage NSW Treasury’s engagement with agencies across a range of portfolios.

We also lead strategic policy and budget expenditure analysis regarding First Nations Outcomes, early childhood education and care, digital investment and integrity agencies.

Transport Infrastructure and Investment

We lead Treasury’s relationship with the Transport, Infrastructure, Investment, and Planning clusters. We support these partners in planning and delivering better public services and major capital projects. Our focus is on effective and impactful public spending.

The Economic Strategy and Productivity Group aims to improve wellbeing in NSW by providing evidence-based economic advice, conducting research, developing policies, implementing government decisions, and encouraging public discussion.

They also manage the state's federal financial relations and create measures to boost productivity, participation, and prosperity.

Our divisions

Macroeconomy

We study and give advice on the overall economy of NSW. We look at how the economy affects people and businesses to help make important decisions about money, society, and the environment.

Revenue

We forecast how much money the government will collect, give policy advice, put decisions into action, and work on financial relations with the federal government.

Centre for Economic Evidence (CEE)

We develop and apply economic frameworks to improve the wellbeing of the NSW community and support evidence-based decision-making. We promote and advise on public economics to make government initiatives more effective, efficient, and fair.

We also manage NSW Treasury’s economic stewardship, investment, performance and budgeting frameworks, as well as First Nations economic wellbeing. Discover more about the CEE.

Markets and Regulation

We develop competition, microeconomic, and regulatory reforms to boost productivity, enhance market sustainability, and improve community wellbeing.

We advise the NSW Government on policies, implement decisions, inform public policy discussions, and support the ESP group.

Productivity and Equality Commission

We give the government objective, evidence-based advice to find ways to boost productivity across the state.

We work to improve the NSW regulatory policy framework and find ways to increase competition, so NSW residents get better and more affordable goods and services. 

Find out more about the Productivity and Equality Commission.

The Commercial Group is responsible for commercial policy, infrastructure and structured finance. We manage the State’s shareholding in commercial businesses, major asset transactions, and review the State’s commercial assets and activities. We also look after all-of-government procurement.

We support agencies with consultancy and advisory services and provide access to procurement technologies to help them achieve their goals.

Our divisions

Commercial Assets

We manage the NSW Government’s shareholding in State owned corporations and other commercial government businesses, assessing and monitoring their strategies and performance.

We manage assets and exposures that remain with the NSW Government following a major transaction.

We develop and support the implementation of the NSW Government Commercial Policy Framework, providing advice to shareholding ministers and assisting with appointments to the boards.

Major Projects Division

We provide commercial and financial advice to the Treasurer and the NSW Government on strategic initiatives and major infrastructure, energy transition, precinct development and capital projects.

We work closely with government agencies to consider project delivery and procurement options, undertake bid evaluations, participate in contractual negotiations and assist in the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

We lead the execution of strategic transactions and complex commercial negotiations on behalf of the NSW Government.

We contribute to policy development in the construction sector and promote consistency in government procurements.

We also own the NSW Public Private Partnership Policy and Guidelines, which govern the development and delivery of public private partnership projects in NSW.

Toll Review

Jointly with Transport for NSW, we provide strategic, commercial and financial advice to NSW Government on the recommendations from the Independent Toll Review Report.

We manage the government response to the review and the implementation of the Government's preferred recommendations.

The Toll Reform will continue to at least the end of June 2025.

State Insurance Schemes

We provide strategic policy advice to government on the operation and performance of the state’s insurance and care system.

The system comprises workers compensation funds, both for public and private sector workers, as well as schemes for those injured in motor accidents and schemes covering home building and government infrastructure.

Our advice is wide ranging and may relate to any number of commercial, fiscal, economic, regulatory and accountability risks, or reform opportunities for the sector. 

The Procurement Reform and Banking group manages all-of-government procurement policies and reform initiatives. The group is focused on using public sector procurement to achieve financial, social and economic goals.

The Procurement Reform and Banking group drives oversight and continuous improvement of the state’s banking and financial services arrangements, including leading work to tender for banking and payment services for the public sector – a large, complex program that supports sector services and needs.

Banking and Financial Services

The NSW Government processes payments for millions of citizens and businesses daily. We optimize the State’s cash position and update payment systems. Our goal is to offer secure, fast, and easy-to-use digital payment experiences across all NSW Government services, helping customers and suppliers get paid faster. We aim to use government resources efficiently to improve productivity. We also participate in the payments and FinTech marketplace, promoting competition, innovation, and better policies for everyone.

NSW Procurement

We use innovative approaches to get the best value for money and make it easier to do business with the government. We offer agencies:

• consultancy
• advisory services
• analytics
• category management
• procurement policy
• access to procurement technologies.

We manage all-of-government electricity, fleet, and travel-related contracts, and establish and review procurement policies and prequalification schemes.

Financial Management and Services (FMS) handles the State's finances, including assets, liabilities, and risks. We also prepare and coordinate financial reports and manage policies.

Services Provided:

• accounting
• financial and ministerial support
• human resources
• communications
• information and digital technologies
• facilities management.

Our divisions

Climate Change and Balance Sheet

We provide long-term financial, environmental, and social sustainability in NSW. We manage strategic investment funds like the NSW Generations Fund and the Social and Affordable Housing Fund. We also offer advice on funding solutions and debt management and support Sustainable Finance and Social Impact Investments.

Financial Stewardship and Public Reporting (FSPR)

FSPR handles financial reporting for the sector, including the Total State Sector Accounts (TSSA) and annual Budget data. We lead in policy development and provide advice on financial management, accounting policy, and climate disclosures.

Our teams:

• Total State Financial Reporting Team: We manage all-of-government reporting, preparing financial reports like the TSSA, monthly reports, and financial projections in the Budget and Half-Yearly Review.
• Accounting Policy and Advisory Team: We develop state-wide accounting policies and advises on complex accounting issues. In partnership with the Strategic Balance Sheet Management Division, we lead the implementation of climate disclosures.
• Financial Management Legislation Policy and Assurance Team: We manage the State’s financial legislation and develops policies on financial management and reporting. We also prepare the annual Appropriation Bills and manage the Recurrent Investor Assurance Framework.
• The Finance Projects and Engagementteam: We manage priority projects across the work of FSPR, with a focus on key risks to the TSSA. Our team also coordinates engagement with the sector and Audit Office.

Treasury Finance and Services

We provide support services around Treasury's workforce, reputation management and proper transparency with the people of NSW.

• People and Talent team: We lead human resources, talent solutions, learning, and strong workforce management strategies. We aim to support the success and potential of our teams of highly capable, engaged and diverse people, who are highly regarding for the quality of their advice.
• The Communications team: We promote Treasury projects and programs through various channels, that support the people of NSW. Our work covers internal and external channels including employee engagement, traditional media, social media, events, advertising, sponsorship, digital and websites. We also provide change communications and issues advice to the Secretary, Deputy Secretaries, branches and divisions. We deliver strategic communications campaigns and manage Treasury’s brand to maintain and enhance its integrity in the community.
• Treasury’s Strategic Coordination team: We facilitate strategic planning and reporting across the organisation. We monitor government election commitments relevant to Treasury and contribute to developing the senior leadership team's capabilities.
• Treasury Finance Team: We manage corporate finance and business performance for Treasury. We prepare financial statements, set annual budgets, maintain financial control, and support audits. Key external stakeholders include the Audit Office, Audit and Risk Committee and external boards for several residual entities.

Information Technology

We are responsible for maintaining IT infrastructure, digital workplace management, application support, cyber security, and data analytics. We also ensure the proper delivery and maintenance of Treasury’s physical and digital facilities.

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) gives legal advice to Treasury. We look at Treasury's work and government policies from a legal view. The OGC also advises on information access, governance, ethics, and integrity.

We work with other legal groups in NSW, like the Crown Solicitor’s Office and Parliamentary Counsel’s Office. We help make sure Treasury follows the law, support major projects and transactions, and review and negotiate contracts.

The Office of the Secretary and Ministerial Services (the Office) helps the Secretary and Treasury Executive Board lead NSW Treasury to perform well in delivering the Government's plans. The Office advises, supports and manages relationships with Ministerial Offices in the Treasury portfolio. It also guides the Department and other entities within the Portfolio to ensure they meet the priorities of the Treasurer, Ministers, and Secretary.

The Office manages Treasury’s ministerial and executive services including work related to Cabinet, Parliament, briefings and correspondence, as well as the provision of Departmental Liaison Officers and other support to Ministerial Offices.