Honouring excellence: Gemma Lake awarded the Public Service Medal
Congratulations to Gemma Lake on being awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) as part of this year’s Australia day awards.
The PSM recognises outstanding service by public servants and is a significant national honour. Gemma’s award reflects her sustained leadership and long‑standing contribution to the Northern Territory across legal, policy and executive roles.
Speaking on the recognition, Gemma said she was both honoured and appreciative of those she has worked alongside throughout her career.
"I’m deeply honoured to receive the PSM land to be recognised alongside so many dedicated public servants. Any contribution I’ve made has been possible because of the talented, committed people I’ve worked with across the Northern Territory Public Service, and to those who have guided and mentored me along the way."
Gemma first started in the public service as a summer clerk at the Lands Titles Office in the then Department of Law, working with Mr Greg Shanahan PSM who was the registrar-general at the time. Gemma then worked as a summer clerk in Litigation and the former Agency Legal Services unit and enjoyed working in the department so much that she applied to do her articles of clerkship with the department. Following her admission to legal practice, Gemma then went on to work in the commercial division of the SFNT.
With a professional background in commercial and public sector law, Gemma has held senior legal and executive roles across the Northern Territory Government, including positions with the solicitor for the Northern Territory and Power and Water Corporation. Her career includes leadership of significant and complex Territory projects and reforms, with a strong focus on public sector governance, service delivery and improved outcomes for Territorians.
Gemma has served as chief executive officer of the Attorney‑General’s Department since late 2020.
Reflecting on public service more broadly, Gemma said:
"The work we do across the public sector is ultimately about serving Territorians. I’m proud to have spent my career working with colleagues who are committed to integrity, professionalism and improving outcomes for our community."
Gemma is currently acting chief executive officer of the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure and is returning to the Attorney‑General’s Department in the coming weeks.
We thank Gemma for her ongoing service to the Northern Territory and extend our sincere congratulations on this well‑deserved national recognition.
