Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has applauded the outgoing CEO of the Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet, Mr Ken Davies PSM, for his extraordinary near five decades in public service.

After an impressive 47 years, Mr Davies will retire from the public service on 3 February 2025.

“Ken began his career in the Northern Territory as a teacher at Papunya in 1978,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.

“He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a school principal in Alice Springs and Katherine, and later a regional superintendent in Tennant Creek.

“Over his remarkable career, Ken has held chief executive roles in eight agencies, including the Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services, and the Department of Education.

"He has served under every government since self-government in 1978 and has been instrumental in leading major initiatives, such as implementing the remote housing construction program and negotiating the first 10-year Stronger Futures funding agreement with the Commonwealth.”

In recognition of his dedication and service, Mr Davies was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2020.

“In 2023, Ken was appointed as the Territory’s top public servant and recently oversaw the effective transition to a new government,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.

“His leadership over nearly half a century has delivered significant economic and social policy reforms in every agency he served.

“Ken embodies the principles of impartial, frank, and fearless public service. He has always upheld the highest professional standards, demonstrating strategic vision, integrity, and a commitment to making the right decisions, even when they are the hard ones.”

Mrs Finocchiaro expressed her gratitude for his leadership during the government transition.

“I thank Ken for his hard work from day one as we charted a new course for the Territory,” she said.

“After nearly half a century of service, I hope he can now focus on catching that elusive Million Dollar Barra. I wish Ken, Bernie, and their family all the very best for the future.”

The Chief Minister also announced that Mr Luccio Cercarelli PSM will lead the public service as the CEO of the Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet upon Mr Davies' retirement on 3 February 2025.

“Luccio has had a distinguished career in public service, and I look forward to working with him to deliver our government’s plan to reduce crime, rebuild the economy, and restore our Territory lifestyle,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.

Mr Cercarelli is currently the CEO of the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Community Development.

Prior to this, he served as CEO of the City of Palmerston for nearly seven years. He was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2024 for his outstanding contributions to local government.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom