Joanna joined the Australian Public Service (APS) in 2001 and has worked across several portfolios including defence, foreign affairs and trade, Attorney-General’s, and social services. As an APS Director she has led national social policy programs including gambling harm minimisation, disability data, and intercountry adoption. Alongside her APS career, she is a registered psychologist, with clinical experience working with individuals and families in hospital and private practice settings.

Joanna’s research examines cultural influences in gambling harm for people affected by another person’s gambling. Using a mixed-methods design, the project integrates analysis of large national datasets with interviews and community co-design workshops to identify culturally specific harms, barriers to support, and effective intervention features. The research aims to strengthen Australia’s public health response to gambling harm by informing the development of culturally responsive, evidence-based supports that can be translated into policy and service delivery.

Supervisor: Associate Professor Aino Suomi