APRA Deputy Chair John Lonsdale receives Public Service Medal

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) congratulates Deputy Chair John Lonsdale on being awarded the Public Service Medal in the Australia Day Honours List.

Mr Lonsdale received the medal for outstanding public service through improving the stability, efficiency and competitiveness of Australia's financial system and increasing the robustness of Australia's foreign investment framework during his 30 year career at Australian Treasury.

Mr Lonsdale's work in 2010 leading the development of the Competitive and Sustainable Banking System reform package, which improved outcomes for consumers and supporting smaller lenders to compete with the major banks, was cited as one of his notable achievements at Treasury.

His work as Head of the Secretariat to the Financial System Inquiry in 2014 was also cited, noting that Mr Lonsdale led a team comprising both public and private sector specialists to deliver the most comprehensive review of Australia's financial system in nearly 20 years.

Mr Lonsdale was also central to increasing the robustness of Australia's foreign investment framework including, in particular, the creation of the Critical Infrastructure Centre (CIC). He advocated for a more proactive approach to managing Australia's critical infrastructure and was influential in gaining the support of other government agencies. The CIC now provides a framework for the holistic management of critical infrastructure assets, including improved coordination across Government to manage increasingly complex national security considerations, and ensure a holistic and proactive view is taken regarding investment in these assets.

APRA Chairman Wayne Byres said through the awarding of the Public Service Medal, Mr Lonsdale had been recognised for his significant contribution over a long period of time to continuous improvement of financial system stability, efficiency and competitiveness.

"We congratulate John on receiving the Public Service Medal, which is well-deserved recognition of John's career-long contribution to the Australian community through his work in financial system and foreign investment oversight and reform in his three decades at Treasury.

"John is clearly a thought leader in relation to the structure and well-being of the financial system, and we are fortunate to have someone of his calibre continuing to serve the Australian community in his role as APRA Deputy Chair," Mr Byres said.