Since joining Health in 2006, Penny has held a number of senior leadership positions, including First Assistant Secretary of the Technology Assessment and Access Division and Health Workforce Division.

Prior to joining Health, Penny was an industrial relations lawyer in the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and worked in regulatory policy roles, including as head of the Australian Capital Territory’s Office of Industrial Relations. She was a member of the Workplace Relations Ministers Advisory Council and the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission. Prior to this, Penny worked in senior executive roles responsible for private health insurance and Medicare policy.

Penny has a Bachelor of Laws, a Master’s degree in International Law and is admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor. She currently represents the Commonwealth on the board of the National Blood Authority.