Our executive leadership

Graham Fraine, Director-General

Graham has 27 years' experience in public policy, program development and service delivery across state and local government.

Graham has previously held Deputy Director-General roles within the Queensland Government Department of the Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Deputy Under Treasurer, Queensland Treasury.

His strong passion for working in the public service is evident and he values the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of Queenslanders as well as to give back to the community. Graham is known for his strategic leadership that inspires a strong sense of purpose and his extensive experience across government sees him bring a broad whole-of-sector perspective to the role.

In 2018, Graham was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to social science research and policy development in Queensland. Graham also holds a bachelor degree in psychology from James Cook University of North Queensland and a PhD from the Queensland University of Technology.

Bernadette Zerba, Deputy Director-General, Regional Economic Development

Bernadette has worked in government for more than 20 years, holding leadership roles in multiple agencies across state government. She specialises in leading regional economic development initiatives across the state, including policy development, strategic analysis, interdepartmental and interjurisdictional engagement, and negotiation.

Prior to taking the role of Deputy Director-General of Regional Economic Development, Bernadette was the Executive Director of Water Infrastructure and Strategic Co-ordination for the department. In that role, she provided governance oversight of government-owned bulk water providers, contributing advice on bulk water infrastructure projects and regional urban water security and oversight of SEQ water supply planning.

Linda Dobe, Deputy Director-General, Water Resource Management

Linda has worked in state government water functions for more than 14 years with lead roles covering urban water supply planning and policy, safe and reliable water service provision, dam safety regulation and assessment of new bulk water infrastructure projects. Linda was also a member of the Department of Energy and Water Supply’s renewal team for 12 months.

Prior to working in water, Linda worked for 5 years in the state government mines department on various policy and planning matters, stakeholder engagement and led the state’s Indigenous Land Use Agreement for Exploration projects. Linda also has private sector experience in education, finance, and mining, where she worked as an exploration geologist for some years.