Media Release
Access Card Chief Technology Architect appointed
21 September 2006
Minister for Human Services, the Hon. Joe Hockey MP, has announced the appointment of Marie Johnson as the Chief Technology Architect for the Government’s Health and Social Services Access Card.
Minister Hockey said he was delighted Ms Johnson had agreed to return to Australia from her senior position at Microsoft Corporation in the USA to work on the access card project that will make life easier for millions of Australians.
“Ms Johnson is an extremely able and experienced IT executive,” Minister Hockey said. “I’m delighted she has been lured back to Australia by the prospect of working on this exciting project.”
The Chief Technology Architect will work with Minister Hockey, the Office of Access Card, and Professor Allan Fels’ Consumer and Privacy Taskforce to ensure that the technologies adopted will deliver a full range of services to consumers.
Ms Johnson’s role involves providing advice to the government on proposed technology and architecture solutions. Her role will complement the activities of the lead adviser, Booz Allen Hamilton.
“The access card programme will not only make it easier for people to access services but cut red tape and reduce welfare and Medicare fraud,” Minister Hockey said.
“I worked closely with Marie when I was Minister for Small Business and know first hand that she is an outstanding choice for the job.”
Ms Johnson has been Executive Director Worldwide Public Services and eGovernment at Microsoft for the past 15 months. She was behind the Government’s award-winning business.gov.au initiative prior to that.
“I am very excited to be returning to Australia to be part of such an important project,” Ms Johnson said. “The card will make life simpler and safer for customers of Australian Government services.”
“Projects such as these have been the focus of my career.”
OAC head Kerri Hartland said she was delighted that someone of the calibre of Ms Johnson was joining the project.
Ms Johnson begins her new role October 17.
Contact: James Chessell - Media Advisor - 0437 978 028.