Ken Matthews has demonstrated public service leadership in defence, industry and commerce, mining, fisheries, native title issues, agriculture, forestry, transport, infrastructure and water. He was appointed Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and later of Transport and Regional Services, subsequently becoming Chair/CEO of the National Water Commission, responsible for driving acceptance and implementation of the National Water Initiative. He has worked consistently to improve the role of science in policy-making. He has shown a capacity to grasp technological opportunities, analyse complex policy issues and generate science- and evidence-based implementable policy outcomes, while contributing to relevant professional organisations.