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Michael Schwager
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As Director General since 2018, Michael has led IP Australia on a customer-focused, digital-first strategy. As well as seeing unprecedented growth in IP rights during the pandemic, IP Australia has been a test bed of public sector innovation and digital transformation. Prior to his appointment, Michael spent three years as Chief Operating Officer at the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. He also spent time as acting Chief Operating Officer at CSIRO. Michael’s career across industry, innovation and science policy has included responsibility for implementing innovation programs including the $3B R&D tax incentive; developing med-tech, pharma-bio, small business and industry policy; attracting foreign investment into Australian high-tech industries; leading trade and multilateral negotiations in food, agriculture and energy. From 2012 to 2015, Michael was Minister-Counsellor (Industry, Science and Education) at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC. He also spent five years in Parliament House as a researcher and speechwriter, and two years as an auditor for a large multinational accounting firm. Michael has a Bachelor of Economics and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. |
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Margaret Tregurtha
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Margaret has been part of IP Australia's leadership team since early 2020. Her focus is on ensuring that IP Australia has the right capability to deliver on its strategic objectives, and on working collaboratively both domestically and internationally to support effective IP policy development. Before joining IP Australia, Margaret was A/G First Assistant Secretary of Legal and Compliance in the former Department of Environment and Energy. Margaret has extensive experience in providing legal and governance advice to government across a range of subject matters including education, industry, science, environment and energy. Since 2008 she has held Senior Executive roles in the Commonwealth Government. She was General Counsel of the Department of Industry Science and Resources from 2012 to 2017 and General Counsel of the then Department of Environment and Energy from 2017 to 2019. She has a Bachelor of Arts/Laws (Hons) and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the Australian National University. She is also a graduate of the Australia Institute of Company Directors. |