The Front Project

Dr Caroline Croser-Barlow is a former senior public servant with experience across a range of policy areas, including early childhood education, disability in education, climate change, energy, environment, and social policy. 

Her most recent role involves supporting Royal Commissioner the Hon Julia Gillard in her work on early childhood education and care. 

Her previous roles include leading the division in the Department for Education overseeing a range of policies, programs and services for the participation, engagement and learning achievement for all children and young people, in particular those experiencing challenges to their inclusion. 

She has also been a Project Director of transitioning Year 7 into High School for South Australia; headed corporate services as Group Executive Director, People and Performance at the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR); led climate and energy policy for DEWNR; and held various roles in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (SA). She began her career in international and strategic policy in the Department of Defence in Canberra. 

She has worked across a number of elements of public sector governance and served on a range of boards including the State Procurement Board and the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board. 

She holds a PhD in Politics and International Relations and an MA in Defence Studies, both from Lancaster University; a Graduate Certificate in Applied Economics from the University of Adelaide; and a Bachelor of Arts from the ANU. 

She has three children (Ted 10, Lily 12 and Maxx 16) and a partner, Sam, who works in the wine industry and is an active member of our local community in Uraidla. 

Caroline is a co-host of The Westminster Tradition, a top-ranking podcast unpacking lessons for the public service, starting with the Robodebt Royal Commission.