Shane Bennett PSM moved into his current position as the Group Manager, Families in the Department of Social Services in March 2021, where he is responsible for family and children’s policy and family safety, including; leading the Australian Government’s work on the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children, the National Plan to Reduce Violence against women and their children and managing grants supporting Australian families and children.

Before commencing his current role, Shane worked in the Social Security Stream since joining the Department of Social Services in December 2017, undertaking a number of activities in relation to payments policy, including in response to COVID-19.

Prior to joining the Department of Social Services, Shane worked in the Department of Human Services from 2013 to 2017, in a number of roles including as acting Deputy Secretary Program Design and General Manager Service Strategy.

Shane has also previously held positions in the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport; the Department of Finance and Deregulation; and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.

Prior to joining the Australian Public Service, Shane started his career in the banking industry, working at the Commonwealth Bank and Westpac.

Shane is a Certified Practising Accountant, has a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment and has a Bachelor of Arts in Banking and Finance.

Appointed Director, Commonwealth May 2021.