Paula Sutton
O’Connor,Australia
Summary
With 15 years of experience tackling complex public policy challenges across environment, public health, and planning, I bring a creative and compassionate approach to leadership. Guided by a strong commitment to kindness and service, I strive to foster collaboration, inspire teams, and align organisational efforts toward meaningful outcomes. My qualifications in human ecology, development studies, and urban and regional planning, paired with sustained volunteer leadership in environmental and social justice, reflect my dedication to building inclusive, respectful cultures and addressing the climate crisis. I aim to contribute strategic insight, innovative problem-solving, and a focus on empowering individuals to achieve service excellence and drive positive change for communities.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Policy Advisor and Acting Chief of Staff
Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management, Minister for Heritage, Minister for Homelessness and Housing Services, and Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction
10.2020 - 02.2024
- Provided high-level strategic advice on legislative, policy, and operational issues across environmental management, urban infrastructure, and biodiversity
- Managed cross-portfolio reporting, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with organisational priorities, including cabinet submissions and budget proposals
- Guided workforce planning and capability development, fostering a supportive and results-oriented team culture
- Represented the Minister in high-stakes negotiations, public forums, and media engagements to advance policy priorities
- Delivered collaborative solutions by building strong partnerships with stakeholders and community groups, ensuring shared accountability for policy outcomes
- Mentored junior staff members in best practices for successful policy advising and development.
- Organized conferences and workshops designed to foster collaboration among policymakers, researchers, practitioners, leading experts from diverse backgrounds.
- Managed stakeholder relationships, ensuring open communication and alignment on policy objectives.
- Provided expert advice to senior leadership, influencing key policy decisions and directions.
- Recommended updates to current legislation, regulations and policies.
Program Manager
SEE-CHANGE
01.2020 - 10.2020
- Designed and delivered the Canberra Electric Bike Library, promoting community adoption of sustainable transport solutions
- Developed partnerships to amplify the program’s reach and impact, reflecting an innovative approach to community-led sustainability initiatives
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
Assistant Director
Knowledge Translation Team, Epidemiology Section, Health Directorate, ACT Government
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Directed complex public reporting processes, including the ACT Chief Health Officer’s Reports, translating technical data into accessible evidence-based policy resources
- Ensured timely and high-quality briefing materials for senior government officials, aligning communication strategies with public health priorities
- Collaborated with cross-sector teams to promote understanding and engagement on critical health topics through strategic media and community outreach
Assistant Director
Office of the Chief Health Officer, Health Directorate, ACT Government
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Provided strategic oversight for initiatives promoting healthy environments, such as the ACT Healthy Weight Initiative
- Developed and managed high-profile stakeholder forums, fostering cross-agency collaboration to advance health and wellbeing goals
- Led operational policy improvements, including emergency preparation processes under the Environment Protection Act1997
Health Promotion Project Officer
Population Health Division, Health Directorate, ACT Government
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Designed and managed policies to promote active transport, including finalising the Physical Activity Strategic Framework
- Managing and collaborating with community partners (Heart Foundation, Nutrition Australia) to meet strategic objectives
Environmental Health Program Manager
Centre for Disease Control, Northern Territory Department of Health and Families
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Designed and implemented an innovative trachoma prevention program, collaborating with Indigenous communities and health boards
- Delivered measurable outcomes by aligning program design with community needs and cultural considerations
Research Officer
Fenner School for Environment and Society, Australian National University
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Contributed to integrated climate change vulnerability assessments for urban governments, supporting evidence-based policymaking
Education
Graduate Certificate - Urban and Regional Planning
University Canberra
01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Human Ecology and Development Studies
Australian National University
01.2006
Skills
- Professional/Technical Skills
- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams to achieve strategic business outcomes in complex environments
- Advanced communication and negotiation skills, ensuring effective representation across government, community, and media platforms
- Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities, underpinned by sound judgment and innovative thinking
- Behavioural Skills
- Experienced in driving organisational change and business improvement, embedding values of collaboration and respect
- Skilled in fostering cross-agency partnerships to achieve shared objectives and enhance organisational capability
- Committed to ethical leadership, achieving results with integrity and empowering teams to excel in their roles
- Problem-solving
- Relationship building
- Partnership development
- Stakeholder management
- Community outreach
- Personnel management
Certification
- Negotiation Mastery, Harvard Business School,2023
- Women’s Environment Leadership Australia – National Program,2020
- Accidental Counsellor Training, Lifeline Australia2023
- Mental Health First Aid, Lifeline Australia,2022
Awards
ACT Health Australia Day Award |2013, Dean’s Excellence Award, University Canberra |2011, Chief Health Officer’s Award |2018,2013
Community Service
Australian Parents for Climate Action – Canberra Group, Co-Founder, 2019, Established and led advocacy networks to amplify collective action on climate policy.
Timeline
Senior Policy Advisor and Acting Chief of Staff
Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management, Minister for Heritage, Minister for Homelessness and Housing Services, and Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction
10.2020 - 02.2024
Program Manager
SEE-CHANGE
01.2020 - 10.2020
Assistant Director
Knowledge Translation Team, Epidemiology Section, Health Directorate, ACT Government
01.2015 - 01.2019
Assistant Director
Office of the Chief Health Officer, Health Directorate, ACT Government
01.2012 - 01.2017
Health Promotion Project Officer
Population Health Division, Health Directorate, ACT Government
01.2011 - 01.2012
Environmental Health Program Manager
Centre for Disease Control, Northern Territory Department of Health and Families
01.2009 - 01.2010
Research Officer
Fenner School for Environment and Society, Australian National University
01.2007 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Human Ecology and Development Studies
Australian National University
Graduate Certificate - Urban and Regional Planning
University Canberra
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