Company Secretary Salary Guide

Salary Snapshot

In the public sector, Company Secretaries manage compliance, regulatory filings, and board operations for Government Business Enterprises (GBEs) and statutory corporations (such as Australia Post, NBN Co, and Export Finance Australia). Their remuneration is typically higher than standard APS lines, aligning closer to private sector corporate roles.

Take-Home Pay Calculator

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GBE Governance Roles & Duties

Company Secretaries in the public sector are responsible for advising boards of directors on statutory requirements and ensuring compliance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). Key responsibilities include:

• Board Operations: Organizing board meetings, drafting resolutions, and managing minute books.
• Compliance Reporting: Managing annual ASIC filings, government reporting, and portfolio minister briefs.
• Risk Advisory: Ensuring policies and governance structures comply with PGPA Act rules.

Government Business Enterprises (GBEs)

In the Australian Federal Government, Company Secretaries operate in statutory corporate entities and Government Business Enterprises (GBEs). Unlike standard policy departments, these commercial entities are expected to run efficiently, generate revenue, and operate in competitive markets. Key Commonwealth GBEs and corporations include:

• Australia Post: Managing national postal and retail logistics under the Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989.
• NBN Co: Delivering Australia’s broadband infrastructure, operating under ministerial shareholder direction.
• Snowy Hydro: Operating major renewable electricity generation assets in the National Electricity Market.
• Defence Housing Australia (DHA): Providing housing and related services to ADF members and their families.

Dual Regulatory Compliance

Company Secretaries in public sector corporations navigate a unique regulatory landscape. They are responsible for ensuring compliance with two distinct statutory frameworks:

• Corporations Act 2001: Setting standard Australian corporate laws, director duties, share registries, and ASIC reporting requirements that apply to GBEs incorporated as proprietary or public companies.
• PGPA Act 2013 (Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act): Outlining the statutory governance, performance reporting, and accountability duties of Commonwealth entities, particularly regarding the use of public resources and ministerial directives.

Board Relations & Shareholder Ministers

A core function of the GBE Company Secretary is managing the complex relationship between the Board of Directors and the Federal Government, which acts as the sole or joint shareholder.

GBE boards are appointed by the Government and are accountable to dual shareholder ministers: typically the Minister for Finance and the relevant portfolio Minister (e.g., the Minister for Communications for NBN Co). The Company Secretary coordinates ministerial briefs, submits annual corporate plans to the government, and ensures that ministerial directives on public interest issues are appropriately integrated into corporate strategy.

Qualifications & Professional Credentials

To command GBE salary rates, Company Secretaries must possess specialized qualifications combining corporate law, finance, and public sector governance:

Frequently Asked Questions