Sandi Logan departs Immigration comms role for ‘sabbatical’
Sandi Logan Source: Flickr
One of Australia’s most controversial public relations practitioners Sandi Logan has left the Department of Immigration for a 12 month “sabbatical”.
The combative government spokesman yesterday announced he was leaving the department and Australian Public Service for a year’s break in London, after eight years as the national communications manager for one of the most high profile government departments.
Logan had a high profile and was regularly quoted in the press, and was known for challenging journalists on Twitter about their coverage leading to accusations from some quarters he overstepped his bounds as a government official.
Logan yesterday announced his departure emailing key contacts, including journalists, writing: “I am leaving the department (and the APS) on December 13, to enjoy a year-long sabbatical in London. As many of you would know, I have been in the Australian public service since 1984 (when I changed my journalist’s rimmed visor to a diplomat’s cap ), joined the then-Australian Information Service (later absorbed into DFAT), before transferring to the Australian Federal Police (ACT Policing) in 2003, and then Immigration in 2005.”
“My spokesman’s and social media role as Assistant Secretary of the National Communications Branch (NatComms) has kept me busy promoting the department’s profile, its reputation and importantly, the work of all of our terrific staff.”
Following September’s election the new Coalition government banned the spin doctor from speaking out on social media, with his last tweet coming on September 23 when he announced users should follow the new official DIBP account.
Logan did not respond to requests for comment, but several Canberra insiders are tipping he will not return to the role, Mumbrella understands.
In the email sent out yesterday Logan said he had not made any decisions about his future. “At this stage, I have no plans beyond 12 months’ holidaying with my wife Lois, from about April 2014. Between now and then, we’ve got a family Christmas at Mystery Bay, and I’ve got a few ice hockey games to catch online,” wrote Logan.
Logan has been a powerful figure within the department over many years as the issue of border security and asylum seekers dominated the national political agenda. As The Australian reported in 2012, his role extended beyond just communications, with the bureaucrat being called upon to take command of the Christmas Island detention facility during rioting in May 2011 so other senior executive service officers could rest.
In his email Logan also paid tribute to his colleagues at the department and the members of his team. “It’s been an absolute joy working with you in my role representing this very proud and professional organisation. The portfolio was always challenging, and the unrelenting demands were as varied as the individuals whom we serve. I am confident my successors in NatComms, and more widely throughout the department will continue to be reliable and helpful interlocutors attending to your ongoing interests and needs,” he wrote.
Nic Christensen
Ummmm, what immigration comms?
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Can’t say I blame him. I don’t know how anyone could do that job, especially with the recent change in Government.
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