Page 3768 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 8 November 1994
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Following the 1975 Federal election, Dr Wilenski was left without a department by the incoming Fraser Government. He was offered the post of foundation professor at the Australian Graduate School of Management in 1977, and he threw himself into public administration work, which included a major review of the New South Wales Public Service. In 1980, Dr Wilenski transferred to a political science research chair in the social justice unit at the ANU. It was during this time that he was able to give effect to his strong and active interest in the advancement of women in society and in the Australian Public Service.
In 1983, he was appointed head of the Department of Education and Youth Affairs but was soon involved in work on reform of the Public Service. This led to his appointment as chairman of the Public Service Board in October 1983. Dr Wilenski presided over the board for 3½ years, during a time of major change in the Public Service. It was during that time that I got to know Dr Wilenski well, while I was working briefly at the Public Service Board. He played a major part in developing the Government's white paper on the Public Service and Public Service Reform Act, which created the Senior Executive Service. His focus was on a more open public service with wider access for people of different backgrounds and with equality of opportunity. He strove for a responsive public service which would achieve government objectives.
One of the many achievements during this time was the banning of smoking in all Commonwealth offices and premises. Recognised as a significant contribution to occupational health and safety in the public sector, it was also the impetus for consequent related reforms in the private sector. After the board's abolition in 1987, Dr Wilenski spent a year as the Secretary to the Department of Transport and Communications, during which he saw the introduction of a ban on smoking on domestic flights in Australia. In 1989, he commenced a three-year term as Australia's Ambassador to the United Nations. Among his assignments at the UN were reviews of administration in the world body itself and the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. In 1991, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters by Macquarie University for service to Australia and the international community. Dr Wilenski returned to Canberra in early 1992 to become head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He fell ill in the latter part of 1992, but courageously carried on, despite undergoing heavy chemotherapy in his long battle with cancer. He reluctantly resigned from the position of department head in May 1993, while still providing valuable assistance as an adviser when his health allowed.
Dr Wilenski was made a Companion of the Order of Australia on the Queen's Birthday in 1994. This honour paid tribute to his outstanding service to Australia and to humanity at large. He brought great intelligence, talent and compassion to all of the diverse tasks that he undertook, whether as a public servant, an academic or a diplomat. The benefits from his crusade to reform the bureaucracy of the United Nations were of international significance, and his contribution at the domestic level was just as important. Perhaps his greatest monument is that many of his radical reforms are now so well accepted as part of the mainstream of public administration. He was a remarkable Australian, a visionary, a radical reformer, and an influential senior figure who eschewed the trappings of power. Dr Wilenski is survived by his wife, Jill; son, Michael; and daughter, Katie. I am sure that all members will join with me in extending our profound sympathy to Dr Wilenski's family and friends and in acknowledging his distinguished public service and academic career.
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