Office of the Governor of Tasmania

The Office of the Governor of Tasmania is a statutory Agency under the provisions of the Governor of Tasmania Act 1982. The Office provides support to the Governor of Tasmania in carrying out their constitutional, ceremonial and community engagement roles. In addition to planning and delivering events at Government House and in the community, the Office manages the heritage listed Government House buildings and estate on behalf of the Tasmanian people in accordance with the Government House Land Act 1964.

As a strictly apolitical and non-partisan organisation, Government House is staffed by employees of the Office of the Governor. All staff report through their respective managers to the Deputy Official Secretary and Official Secretary.

Official Secretary

The Official Secretary is the Head of the Agency and has accountabilities for all strategic, administrative and operational support to the official program of the Governor, as well as the management of the Government House Estate. The Official Secretary is the most senior member of the Office and the Governor’s most senior advisor. Working collaboratively and alongside the Deputy Official Secretary, the Official Secretary is responsible for the delivery of support to the Governor’s constitutional, ceremonial and community engagement duties.

David Hughes CSC was appointed by Governor-in-Council to the position of Official Secretary in March 2024. He has served four Tasmanian Governors as an Aide-de-Camp, Honorary Aide-de-Camp, Deputy Official Secretary and now Official Secretary. David holds undergraduate qualifications in Aviation and a Master of Science.

Deputy Official Secretary

The Deputy Official Secretary is the Deputy Head of the Agency and is responsible for the management of all operational areas of Government House, including Household, Garden, Kitchen, Maintenance and Heritage, and Security operations. Working collaboratively and alongside the Official Secretary, the Deputy Official Secretary provides support and advice across the full range of the Governor’s functions.

Paula Duniam-Chatwood was appointed by Governor-in-Council to the position of Deputy Official Secretary in March 2024. She has served two Tasmanian Governors as an Honorary Aide-de-Camp, Aide-de-Camp and now Deputy Official Secretary. Paula holds undergraduate qualifications in Aviation and a Bachelor of Psychology with First Class Honours.

Organisational Structure

Recruitment

The Official Secretary appoints and employs such persons as are considered necessary for the purposes of assisting the Governor and assisting in the management, administration and maintenance of Government House.

Government House staff work together to create a positive working environment in which staff support each other and productive relationships are valued and encouraged.

Vacancies

View our current vacancies below:

• Security Officer (casual)