As Executive Director of Revenue, Economics and Policy at DTF, Bec draws on deep social policy experience to lead reforms that deliver stronger policy design, smarter use of data and better value for South Australians.

Translating policy into impact

If you asked Bec a few years ago where her career was headed, the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) wasn’t on her radar. With a background in education and social policy across South Australia, Victoria and the Northern Territory, Bec admits she once assumed a career in Treasury would be just about the numbers.

“Since joining DTF, I’ve enjoyed how social and economic policy expertise come together with data and financial frameworks to improve outcomes for South Australians. That’s exactly why I work here.”

As Executive Director of Revenue, Economics and Policy, Bec leads a newly established branch that contributes to government reform. She oversees financial management advisory services, economics, revenue, the delivery of priority reform projects,  and the Office for Data Analytics - a unit that links data across agencies like Child Protection and Education to improve service outcomes.

“It’s a broad remit,” Bec says. “But at its heart, it’s about using data and policy to tackle the key challenges of government. It’s rewarding to see how our work positively impacts South Australian communities.”

Purpose-driven problem solving

As a leader at DTF, Bec is driven to unite people in solving complex issues for the state.

“In our branch, we work on everything from forecasting state revenue, Closing the Gap, child protection, funding and systems for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence and national health funding, to monitoring economic indicators and providing advice on Treasurer’s Instructions."

One of Bec’s proudest achievements is the delivery of South Australia’s first-ever Indigenous expenditure review. Importantly, this project was undertaken with a community partner, resulting in the publication of a report on government expenditure for the Aboriginal community across the state.

To achieve these results, Bec relies on a leadership philosophy built on informal, open dialogue. She believes high-performing teams are defined by the ability to speak up, test ideas and discuss when things are challenging.

“I acknowledge that I don’t have all the answers. Sharing that helps create a dynamic where others feel safe to do the same. I want a culture where people feel comfortable putting forward ideas, no matter what level or role they are in.”

Building a sustainable leadership career

For Bec, sustainability in leadership means being able to deliver at a high level over the long term. Outside work, you’ll likely find her outdoors with her two young children - time that helps her reset and return to work focused on impact.

“I work four days a week. It’s not about doing less - but operating with clear priorities, discipline, and the right delegation so our team has ownership and I stay focused on the areas where I can add the most value.”

Ultimately, Bec hopes more people see Treasury as a place to build a meaningful career at the centre of government decision-making, where your work can shape outcomes at scale.

“The opportunities here are much broader than what people realise. I’d encourage people to look past what they think they know about Treasury and see the diversity of what we do. It’s a place where you can make a significant contribution while being well supported.”