Executive

Secretary

Mr Nathan Williamson

Mr Williamson has served as Secretary of the Commonwealth Grants Commission since August 2025. 

He joined the Commission from the Department of Finance, where he was Deputy Secretary, Governance and Resource Management, from November 2020. 

Prior to this, Mr Williamson held several senior executive roles in the Department of Social Services, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Department of Human Services and the Australian National Audit Office.
 

Assistant Secretary

Ms Rose Verspaandonk

Ms Verspaandonk has served as an Assistant Secretary at the Commonwealth Grants Commission since November 2020.

She has previously led analysis, policy advice, and program delivery across a wide range of areas, including small business, labour markets, workers’ compensation, income support, human capital, and GST policy.

Ms Verspaandonk holds an Honours degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in Political Science, both from Monash University.
 

Assistant Secretary

Mr Michael Gardner

Mr Gardner has served as an Assistant Secretary at the Commonwealth Grants Commission since August 2025.

He joined the Commission from the Department of the Treasury, where he led teams with a range of policy responsibilities, including Commonwealth–State relations, macroeconomic forecasting, labour markets, and skills and education.

Mr Gardner holds a Graduate Diploma in Economics from the Australian National University and an Honours degree in Commerce from the University of Newcastle.