Charles McHardie AM is the Chief Information and Digital Officer (CIDO) and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Technology and Digital Programs Group at Services Australia, a workforce comprised of over 4400 staff. He leads the largest technology workforce in the Australian Government, overseeing the digital and ICT infrastructure that delivers essential government services to millions of Australians.
Charles is responsible for driving Services Australia’s digital and technology transformation and delivering key whole-of-government initiatives, including programs for Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support, and myGov. Prior to joining Services Australia, Charles was the Deputy Secretary of Transformation and Enabling Services at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), where he led the Veteran Centric Reform program to improve services to veterans and their families.
Charles joined the Australian public service after a long and distinguished career in the Royal Australian Navy, where he held a variety of senior appointments in ICT, intelligence and operational roles. He served in sea- and shore-based roles, including command of a major warship and deployments to Europe, Southeast Asia, East Timor and the Middle East.
Charles was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2011 for his contribution to Naval Warfare, and in 2014 received a Commendation for Distinguished Service for his leadership as Commander of Combined Task Force 150.
Charles holds a Master of Science in Information Technology and a Master of Systems Engineering from the University of New South Wales, and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from Deakin University. He also studied Applied Science at the Royal Australian Naval College.
Charles is a strong advocate and supporter for veterans and their partners. As a veteran, he has first-hand experience of the challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life. Charles is committed to supporting veterans to move into meaningful employment, is an active advocate - championing transferable skills and driving conversations that embed a broad understanding of the ability and benefits of engaging highly skilled people through veteran employment pathways.
Charles leverages his position and platform as a senior leader within the APS to champion veteran employment. As a distinguished public speaker, he regularly shares how the skills developed over a long career with the Royal Australian Navy set him up for success across the technology industry and Australian Public Service.
Charles is a strong supporter of the VetPaths Program (administered by DVA), working collaboratively with his Executive Team to onboard Services Australia as a partner agency in 2024. His commitment to veterans and their partners is quiet, but considerable. Charles invests his personal time to informally mentor the veteran community across the agency, shaping career paths, securing and supporting learning and development opportunities and working with individuals to find the right job fit.
This support extends to providing executive support and advocacy for flexible work arrangements for the partners of members actively serving in the defence force. In 2018, during his time in DVA Charles led the development and implementation of the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant (Veteran Card, Lapel Pin and the Oath). Charles continues to promote the Covenant, to ensure that fellow veterans can access health treatment services and are formally recognised through the Oath.