The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) has appointed Judith Blake as interim CEO of the ABCB from 12 May 2025.
Judith brings 30 years of Australian public service experience to the role across industry, science and research, innovation policy and programs, and Prime Minister & Cabinet. She led the Commonwealth’s building team (Department of Industry) from 2020 to 2023 and was the Commonwealth representative on the Board for a period. She has strong knowledge of the ABCB, NCC, building policy and broader connections across all levels of government.
More recently Judith was Chief of Staff to Secretary Meghan Quinn, DISR, and since May 2024, she has been leading design and delivery of grant programs for Australian government agencies in the DISR Business Grants Hub.
Judith will be leading the ABCB through this transition period while DISR undertakes an open recruitment process for a permanent CEO. During the period, she will focus on supporting the Board Chair, Members and the ABCB team, ensuring operational continuity and stability, maintaining strong relationships with our key stakeholders, and supporting the ABCB to contribute and respond to priorities of governments.
An engineer by training, Judith is based in Canberra, and outside of work, is a regular Parkrun participant and enjoys hiking, camping, kayaking, and playing boardgames with her family.
We thank you for your continued support and partnership during this transition.