Liz Kern

Department of Corrections

I am a born and bred Territorian from a large family. My husband and I have been married 33 years and have raised two beautiful daughters.

On 7 December 1983, one week after completing year 12, I commenced employment with the NT Government on an annual salary of $8,846. My first position was as a payroll officer with Department of Education where I gained invaluable knowledge and experience – which I still use today. Not long after this I transferred to Accounts Payable performing varying duties as an Administration Officer and Team Leader.

These were all manual, labour intensive processes with invoices being couriered to Treasury, to generate and mail cheques for payment. I can vividly recall when computers arrived on our desks, and we all commented “What are we going to do with these!” From here I worked as a Chief Receiver of Territory Monies with my duties including being responsible for all the Department of Education pays.

This consisted of walking with an armed security guard, to each location and hand deliver employees pay packets. With the formation of DCIS, I transferred to Palmerston and assisted with its implementation. My previous experiences in payroll and accounts has enabled me to work in a variety of different positions, including as a Business Manager within multiple agencies.

A role I thoroughly enjoy and am currently employed as. Over the years, I have been very fortunate to work with many different people, and form lifelong friendships.