Home Affairs elevates CIO to group manager

Home Affairs’ long-time CIO Radi Kovacevic has been elevated to lead the technology and major capability group on an acting basis.

Kovacevic’s move means the department also now has an acting CIO as well, with Matt Jones in the role.

It’s unclear exactly when the change was made; however, archives show Kovacevic held both the acting role and the CIO role since at least October last year, while Jones was elevated to acting CIO in November.

The same set of internal movements previously occurred during the pandemic, when Michael Milford, the incumbent group manager, moved to another role within the department.

The latest reshuffle is again down to a change in Milford’s status - but this time owing to his impending retirement.

“Michael Milford will be retiring, effective February 6 2024, from the Department of Home Affairs,” a spokesperson confirmed to iTnews.

“Radi Kovacevic is acting in the group manager role, technology and major capability. Matt Jones is acting in the CIO role, behind Radi. 

“These arrangements are ongoing with no specified end date.”

The spokesperson added that the department “is fortunate to have a cohort of officers with significant knowledge, experience, and expertise in this area, who are able to surge and support critical roles.”

The technology and major capability group at Home Affairs encompasses its cyber risk services branch, ICT division, and major capability division.

Major capability encompasses a diverse set of functions, including value realisation, sourcing and vendor management, and whole-of-government programs.

Radi Kovacevic has been chief information officer of Home Affairs for over four-and-a-half years.