Penelope Jones

2019 Cohort

Pronouns: she/her

Penelope aims to reduce the digital divide, by working in partnership with groups at risk of missing out, so that everyone who would like a Digital ID can get one.

Penelope is a public service leader with experience in policy, governance, communication, evaluation and program management. She currently serves as Assistant Secretary, Digital ID Communication, Inclusion and Governance at Australia’s Department of Finance. She is also the department’s Gender Equity Co-Champion, responsible for driving inclusion initiatives across the whole organisation.

Penelope has worked in post-crisis Timor-Leste and Haiti as a diplomat and then an aid worker. A University Medallist, she further developed her knowledge of social change through a Master of Applied Anthropology and Participatory Development from the Australian National University. She recently served as Board Chair at Beryl Women Inc., Australia’s longest-running women’s refuge.

Social change work

Penelope is leading efforts to maximise the inclusiveness of Australia’s Digital ID System, a key reform to help people safely interact online and access government and other services, should they choose.

She also co-leads gender equity initiatives at the Department of Finance, to support a positive organisational culture for people of all genders, and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive Australian public service.