Helen Silver became Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet of Victoria, Australia in 2008, making her the State's chief public servant. She replaced Terry Moran, who was appointed Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
She had previously worked as manager of government business at the National Australia Bank (NAB), and before that had been Deputy Secretary in the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Premier John Brumby's choice to appoint somebody from outside the public service surprised many and, according to some, risked upsetting senior public servants.
Silver was born in Melbourne and studied at Monash University where she obtained a Bachelor of Economics (with first class honours) and a Master of Economics.
Famous quotes containing the words helen and/or silver:
“I wish I were where Helen lies,
Night and day on me she cries;
And I am weary of the skies,
For her sake that died for me.”
—Unknown. Helen of Kirconnell (l. 37–40)
“While this magnetic,
Peripatetic
Lover he lived to learn,
By no endeavor
Can a magnet ever
Attract a Silver Churn!”
—Sir William Schwenck Gilbert (1836–1911)