Katrina Fanning AO PSM is a respected Aboriginal leader with more than 30 years’ experience working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve outcomes through stronger systems, services and governance. Her career spans senior executive leadership, board governance and community-led reform across the Australian and ACT Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sectors.
Throughout her career, Katrina has worked directly with communities, Aboriginal organisations and service providers to understand local priorities and translate community-identified needs into practical, sustainable solutions. She is recognised for her ability to bring together community voices, government and organisations to co-design approaches that are culturally safe, accountable and focused on real outcomes.
Katrina has held senior leadership roles within the Australian Public Service, with responsibility for complex portfolios covering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, social policy, housing, workforce and service delivery. Across these roles, she has maintained a strong focus on partnership with communities and ensuring systems respond to lived experience rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions.
Katrina is widely recognised for her leadership in advancing self-determination, shared decision-making and Closing the Gap reforms, with a consistent emphasis on listening to communities, building trust and delivering change that is shaped by those most affected.
She was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service and an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to public administration and to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Katrina is currently also on the Boards of the Fred Hollows Foundation, Canberra Raiders and Family of League Foundation.