Description
Melanie Mackenzie is Deputy Head of the Office for Social Cohesion in the Department of Home Affairs, established in September 2024 to provide a focal point for social cohesion and democratic resilience in Australia. The Office for Social Cohesion builds on the work of the Strengthening Democracy Taskforce, which Melanie was instrumental in establishing in January 2023.
Melanie is an established leader in government, with expertise in national and domestic security through roles in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Home Affairs. Melanie was previously Counsellor (Home Affairs) in Washington DC, fostering strategic partnerships across the United States government and civil society sector in areas of national security, criminal justice, immigration, border protection and emergency management.
In the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Melanie advised on defence policy and capability, and was recognised for her work to advance national initiatives to counter violent extremism and in the establishment of the Commonwealth Counter Terrorism Coordinator.
Melanie commenced her professional career as a lawyer with the Australian Government Solicitor and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria. She graduated from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (European Studies).
