Richard Eccles is a consultant and company director with a deep interest in the arts, sports, health and media sectors.  He is Chair of the Public Interest Journalism Initiative Policy Working Group.

In addition Richard is chair of the Canberra Health Services Governance Committee, and is a company director of Bangarra Dance Theatre, the Copyright Agency Ltd, Epilepsy ACT and Federal Golf Club. He provides advisory services to several organisations including the National Gallery of Australia and the Commonwealth Department of Education.

Until 2020 Richard enjoyed a successful career as a leader in the Australian Public Service having held Deputy Secretary positions since May 2010 across several portfolios, including the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Health and Aged Care, Regional Affairs, Local Government, Arts and Sport, and Communications and the Arts. This is underpinned by a total of over 30 years’ experience in the public and non-profit sectors.