judging panel:
Jodi Cassar

Jodi Cassar, PSM leads the implementation of Australia’s Disability Strategy in the Department of Social Services. Working across all levels of government, she strives to progress areas of public policy across mainstream services to be inclusive, accessible and responsive to people with disability.

Jodi drives national leadership towards greater inclusion of people with disability, across the seven key outcome areas of the Strategy and is deeply committed to creating an inclusive and accessible Australia for all.

Jodi is a successful leader with more than 25 years’ experience working across the Australian Public Service, private and community sectors. Having received a Public Service Medal in January 2023 for outstanding public service and leadership working across government to deliver advice, information and support for people with disability, workers and carers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jodi has an ongoing commitment to healing and truth-telling, engaging with and supporting survivors of the Stolen Generation through Personal Acknowledgements as part of the Stolen Generation Redress Scheme.

As a Kamilaroi/Scottish Australian navigating two worlds, Jodi has a unique ability to augment change through her innate know how to unite diverse stakeholders around a common cause, that are a catalyst for sustainable change, driving progress with compassion, empathy, strategic vision and integrity.