By Jaqquline Lawrie, 10 June, 2025
Meet Kevin Kadirgamar, a public sector changemaker, driving skilled migration to help grow the Northern Territory’s workforce and shape its future.
From practising law to managing migration
With an extensive career as a practising migration lawyer, Kevin worked closely with individuals and families, helping them navigate the complexities of Australia’s migration system.
“Before entering the public sector, I was practising mainly in the area of migration law in addition to holding several advisory and advocacy roles in areas like multicultural and youth affairs and human rights education,” Kevin said.
Making a direct impact on the individuals he was working with, Kevin saw firsthand how life-changing a successful visa outcome could be.
“Working in the private sector, my colleagues and I had this corny phrase we would say, ‘we're all about changing lives,’ because a visa for an individual results in a significant change to their lives and their families and for generations to come.”
After seven years in the private sector, however, Kevin sought a new challenge—one where he could influence and drive outcomes for the Territory as a whole.
“I wanted to try and make a different kind of impact and to be in a position to influence programs to grow the Territory,” he said.
Explaining his motivation to seek opportunities in the public sector, Kevin shared, “While I was practising law, I was also involved in some volunteering in the migration and multicultural advocacy space.
“Being part of those conversations, especially within larger bodies and around policy and program delivery, really motivated me to explore opportunities to be part of that.
“I wanted to look at migration from a broader angle and apply my on-the-ground experience to help shape the bigger picture.”
Stepping into the public sector
Kevin joined the MigrationNT unit within the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations (formerly Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade).
“The opportunity arose at the right time to take up the position within NT Government to manage the MigrationNT unit, which is focused on delivering skilled migration programs in the Northern Territory—to try and attract more skilled workers, grow our population, and help businesses grow as well,” he said.
For Kevin, the transition from law to the public sector felt like a natural step. He quickly adapted, merging his legal expertise with the operational needs of his new role.
“A primary role of the team was to make some preliminary assessments on the operational front,” he said.
“So that’s where I could actually apply my legal and private sector experience—bringing my on-the-ground understanding into a decision-making role.”
However, being new to government presented its own learning curve. Kevin shared, “After spending most of my career in the private sector, I had to hit the ground running.
“While you learn a lot by doing, there is real value in taking a step back to understand the theories behind working in government.”
Recognising the need to strengthen his leadership capabilities and deepen his understanding of the public sector, Kevin looked for professional development opportunities that would help him grow. With the encouragement of his supervisors, he was nominated for QUT's Public Sector Management Program (PSMP).
“Two of my supervisors recommended the program, and looking at the outcomes and structure, it seemed like something that would be really useful,” he said.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the program, Nicole Hurwood, Commissioner for Public Employment, Northern Territory, said it delivers long-lasting value for public sector professionals.
“QUT’s Public Sector Management Program is a truly transformative experience that extends far beyond the classroom,” she said.
“We see graduates walk away with practical skills and insights they can apply immediately in their roles.
“We’re excited to expand the program’s reach to Alice Springs and look forward to the positive impact it will have on public sector professionals across the Northern Territory.”
QUT's PSMP, developed in collaboration with the Australian Government, is tailored for mid-level managers in the public sector. This dynamic program blends work-based learning, workshops, and virtual sessions to shape individuals into effective leaders. It enhances management and leadership skills, boosts confidence, and expands professional networks beyond their current work environment. Participants also earn an internationally recognised Graduate Certificate in Business (Public Sector Management).
Already balancing full-time work and raising a young family, Kevin admitted that he initially had some trepidation about returning to study.
“It was a little daunting at first, the idea of going back to study, because it had been quite a while since I’d done any academic study,” he said.
“What really helped was the way it was structured,” Kevin continued, “with one unit at a time and gaps between each unit.
“The intensive classes allowed us to dive deep for a week, and then we had space to go away, reflect, and work on assignments.
“I found it really manageable and well-suited to someone working full time, with family responsibilities and study to balance.”
Looking into the future
Now, having completed the PSMP, Kevin reflects on the program as a defining part of his professional development.
"I can say without exaggeration that the QUT Public Sector Management Program exceeded all my expectations," he said.
“It was probably one of the most practical academic programs I’ve done, with real application to the work I was doing.
“It also put me in a much better position to understand government systems, manage my team, and work with stakeholders.”
Dr Catherine Batch, Director of Custom Programs at QUT’s Graduate School of Business, said the program is designed for real-world impact.
“We aim to ensure students have an effective learning experience throughout the program and what we teach is immediately applicable to their workplace and roles,” she said.
“QUT has more than a decade of experience delivering education to the public sector, we understand this sector and how to build leadership capability that enables graduates to lead confidently at local, state or federal levels.”
For Kevin, one of the most valuable takeaways came from the Managing Self and Others unit.
“Understanding different behavioural traits and how management should be suited to those traits really resonated,” he said.
“I started applying a lot of that learning straight away in my team, and it made a huge difference.”
Now, looking into the future, Kevin is excited to continue leading skilled migration at the Northern Territory Government and continue contributing to the Northern Territory's future.
"I'm lucky that I do see value in what I do, in terms of what our team does and the practical difference it makes,” he said.
“So, when I look five years ahead, I want to continue working in the Northern Territory Government, to do the best we can, in terms of growing our workforce and population, and helping our businesses thrive.”
For those considering a similar path, Kevin has one key piece of advice.
“I would say, go for it”, he said.
“If you're someone in a policy or management role—or looking to move into that space—the QUT PSMP is certainly something you should seriously consider, and don’t be deterred by the study load or assignments, because it is manageable.”
Ready to take the next step in your career with our PSMP?
Explore our program further and find out how it can benefit you by clicking here.
