Kathryn Campbell
Kathryn Jane Campbell, AO, CSC & Bar is a former Australian public servant and a former senior officer in the Australian Army Reserve.
Major General Kathryn Campbell AO, CSC & Bar | |
|---|---|
Campbell in 2021 | |
| Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade | |
| In office 22 July 2021 – 1 July 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Frances Adamson |
| Succeeded by | Jan Adams |
| Secretary of the Department of Social Services | |
| In office 18 September 2017 – 21 July 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Finn Pratt |
| Succeeded by | Ray Griggs |
| Secretary of the Department of Human Services | |
| In office 7 March 2011 – 17 September 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Finn Pratt |
| Succeeded by | Renée Leon |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Alma mater | University of Southern Queensland, University of New South Wales |
| Occupation | Public servant |
| Civilian awards | Officer of the Order of Australia |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Branch/service | Australian Army Reserve |
| Years of service | 1989–2021 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands | 2nd Division (2018–21) 5th Brigade (2014–16) Sydney University Regiment (2007–09) |
| Battles/wars | Operation Okra |
| Military awards | Conspicuous Service Cross |
Campbell was the Secretary of the Department of Human Services from March 2011 to September 2017. She played a key role in the illegal debt recovery scheme known as Robodebt. At two Senate committee inquiries, Campbell controversially shifted the blame of Robodebt to the victims, and refused to accept people had died by suicide after receiving illegal Robodebt notices. The Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme was "scathing" of Campbell, finding she had intentionally misled cabinet about the scheme, and took steps to prevent the unlawfulness of Robodebt being uncovered.
Campbell moved onto the Secretary of the Department of Social Services from September 2017 to July 2021. She became Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) from July 2021 to July 2022. In July 2022, she was removed as Secretary of DFAT, and was appointed to the defence portfolio as an advisor to the AUKUS program, while retaining the remuneration of her previous role. In July 2023, Campbell was suspended without pay from the Australian Public Service, following the findings against her at the Royal Commission. She resigned later that month.