Elizabeth Priest
Summary
Experienced Project Management Professional with a strong background in delivering Operational, Strategic and ICT projects across government and community focused environments. Recognised for building productive relationships and negotiating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and clients. Proven ability to manage time and priorities to ensure the timely delivery of key outcomes, driving continuous business improvement. Highly adaptable and collaborative, with a demonstrated capacity to work independently or within teams in dynamic settings. Committed to delivering high quality services that create meaningful impact, with a strong focus on professional integrity and excellence in service to the South Australian community.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Support Officer
Legal Services Commission
08.2021 - Current
- Supported delivery of the Grants and Practice Management System software project, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Collaborated with internal teams, vendors and stakeholders to deliver project outcomes.
- Managed the Online Legal Support Inbox, assisting clients with technical issues.
- Coordinated Project Governance Committee meetings, including agendas, minutes and actions.
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement across legal, government and vendor groups.
- Contributed to project reporting, risk management and resource coordination.
- Ensured proper handling and storage of project documentation in line with policy.
- Reviewed acceptance criteria and supported system and user acceptance testing (UAT).
- Designed and executed test cases; managed test data and defect tracking.
- Provided flexible support across project and testing activities as required.
Executive Assistant to the Director
SA Health - Procurement and Supply Chain Management
01.2021 - 08.2021
- Provided executive and administrative support for SA Health projects in a team environment.
- Managed the Director's calendar, meetings, documentation and follow up correspondence.
- Drafted ministerial briefings, memos, letters and procurement submissions.
- Delivered high-quality administrative tasks, including document preparation and data entry.
- Contributed to projects through data matching, reporting and analysis across multiple systems.
- Liaised with internal and external stakeholders on sensitive and confidential matters.
- Supported agendas, minute taking and action tracking for committee and project meetings.
- Coordinated ministerial and governance briefings to ensure timely and accurate responses.
- Reviewed and improved Directorate systems and processes for operational efficiency.
Project Coordinator
Department of Treasury and Finance - Lifetime Support Authority
10.2019 - 10.2020
- Supported development and review of the Business Plan, ensuring accurate documentation and reporting.
- Contributed to resolving complex business issues through gap analysis and problem-solving.
- Monitored project milestones and performance data to report on Business Plan outcomes.
- Built stakeholder relationships and coordinated workshops to support project delivery.
- Maintained project plans, risk and issue registers, and communication strategies.
- Managed records and supported budget preparation and financial reporting.
- Prepared executive level reports, briefings and correspondence with actionable insights.
- Delivered CAMMS Strategy training and support in partnership with the Training Coordinator.
- Led post-implementation reviews to identify process improvements and strategic alignment.
- Supported organisation-wide project delivery and strategic initiatives.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Small Business Grant Assessor - COVID19 Mobilisation Unit
Department of Treasury and Finance - Commercial & Economic Branch
03.2020 - 07.2020
- Assessed grant applications in line with eligibility criteria, funding policies and compliance standards.
- Conducted financial and business viability assessments, including review of ATO and supporting documentation.
- Reviewed ABN, ASIC registrations, and COVID-19 financial reports for eligibility verification.
- Identified and escalated high risk, fraudulent or ineligible applications.
- Maintained accurate case records and ensured data integrity for audit and compliance.
- Communicated outcomes and program requirements clearly to applicants via phone and email.
- Liaised with businesses to gather additional information and clarify application details.
- Contributed to process improvements and refinement of assessment and reporting frameworks.
- Supported preparation of performance reports for executive, board, and government stakeholders.
IT Release and Project Coordinator
HAMBS - Health and Medical Benefit Systems
01.2007 - 01.2019
- Led ICT projects and system upgrades, ensuring alignment with objectives and timely delivery.
- Applied project and change management methodologies (PRINCE2, Agile, PMBOK, IT Governance) across the SDLC.
- Managed releases and changes via CAB processes, coordinating stakeholders and dependencies.
- Facilitated Agile ceremonies and maintained sprint momentum by resolving blockers and managing risks.
- Conducted gap analysis and impact assessments to guide transformation and transition planning.
- Partnered with Product Owners to manage stakeholder expectations and solution impacts.
- Directed project teams through planning, vendor selection, scope and budget management.
- Mentored team members and promoted collaborative, solution focused environments.
- Designed workflows prioritising changes based on business value and customer needs.
- Delivered HAMBS system support, resolving issues within SLA and logging tickets accurately.
- Executed various testing types (functional, regression, penetration, black box) and automated test scripts.
- Collaborated with developers and BAs on test planning, execution, and defect resolution.
- Used Team Foundation Server for backlog, sprint tracking and reporting on progress, value and metrics.
- Supported successful delivery of operational releases in business as usual environments.
Claims Specialist Officer
SGIC Private Health Insurance
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Assessed and managed complex private health and allied health claims in line with PHI, MBS, AHSA, ADA, HCP, and LHC guidelines.
- Processed ECLIPSE, Thelma, Simplified Billing, hospital, and ancillary claims accurately and efficiently.
- Conducted eligibility checks, risk assessments, and claims investigations to ensure compliance.
- Liaised with providers, insurers, and clients to gather documentation and clarify claim details.
- Monitored claims and coordinated treatment or rehab plans to support recovery outcomes.
- Communicated claim decisions and entitlements clearly and empathetically to clients.
- Maintained accurate, confidential records in line with privacy and data protection standards.
- Prepared reports and correspondence for internal and external stakeholders.
- Identified and escalated fraudulent or non-compliant claims as needed.
- Supported claims policy improvements and contributed to team KPIs and service targets.
Customer Service Officer
Medicare Health Insurance Commission (NT)
01.1996 - 01.2002
- Processed EDI, Medicare, and Reciprocal Health Care Agreement claims.
- Delivered high-quality customer service across face-to-face, phone, and written channels.
- Assisted clients with Medicare claims, benefits, and entitlements, ensuring timely resolution.
- Guided customers through forms, applications, and policy explanations.
- Supported vulnerable and diverse clients with empathy and accessibility.
- Maintained accurate, secure records in line with privacy and compliance standards.
- Handled financial transactions, refunds, and payments per Medicare policies.
- Identified and escalated complex enquiries and complaints appropriately.
- Collaborated with internal teams and government agencies for seamless service delivery.
- Contributed to service improvements and consistently met KPIs and performance targets.
Receptionist Debt Recovery Officer
National Commercial Services (NT)
01.1991 - 01.1996
- Records, reports, and documentation for debt recovery activities in compliance with privacy and financial regulations.
- Liaised with internal departments, legal representatives, and external agencies to support debt recovery processes.
- Identified and escalated potential high-risk, fraudulent, or uncollectible accounts for further action.
- Contributed to the achievement of team KPIs, recovery targets, and performance metrics.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of debt recovery strategies, process improvements, and compliance initiatives.
Skills
- Strong knowledge of project and change management frameworks, including Agile, PRINCE2, ITIL, Waterfall, SDLC and PMBOK
- Skilled in managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines with attention to detail and compliance
- Experienced in coordinating concurrent programs and adapting to changing priorities
- Excellent communicator with proven leadership and team collaboration skills
- Strong planning and organisational abilities across scheduling, risk, resources and governance
- Builds and maintains effective stakeholder relationships across business units
- Supports project delivery through budgeting, scoping, planning and documentation
- Experienced across the full Project Management Life Cycle (PMLC)
Certification
- Project Management - University of South Australia
- Lean Leadership - University of South Australia
- Better Business Analysis - MCBI Learning & Development
- Business Writing Skills - Australian Institute of Management
- Conflict Resolution - Australian Institute of Management
- Practice of Agile Team - Software Education Agile Academy
- ISTQB Software Testing - Software Education
Certificates
- National Police Clearance Certificate
- Working with Children Check
- NDIS
- Aged care sector
- Vulnerable person related employment
- General employment probity
- SA COVID-19 Health Marshal
- Responsible Service of Alcohol
- Defibrillation Awareness
Timeline
Project Support Officer
Legal Services Commission
08.2021 - Current
Executive Assistant to the Director
SA Health - Procurement and Supply Chain Management
01.2021 - 08.2021
Small Business Grant Assessor - COVID19 Mobilisation Unit
Department of Treasury and Finance - Commercial & Economic Branch
03.2020 - 07.2020
Project Coordinator
Department of Treasury and Finance - Lifetime Support Authority
10.2019 - 10.2020
IT Release and Project Coordinator
HAMBS - Health and Medical Benefit Systems
01.2007 - 01.2019
Claims Specialist Officer
SGIC Private Health Insurance
01.2002 - 01.2007
Customer Service Officer
Medicare Health Insurance Commission (NT)
01.1996 - 01.2002
Receptionist Debt Recovery Officer
National Commercial Services (NT)
01.1991 - 01.1996
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