Margaret Allison has had a diverse career spanning more than 35 years in the public sector in Queensland and NSW, in both local and State government. With a professional background in human services, she has led services and reforms in areas including youth justice, child protection, disability, legal aid, domestic and family violence, child care and customer services. Margaret took up her most recent role as Director-General for the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services in March 2012, following two years as the Public Service Commissioner in Queensland. She retired from the public sector at the end of 2013, and now works in her own consultancy business. She is a member of a number of boards, including the Queensland Police Service Board of Management.