We are delighted to welcome Emma Palmer to the LSA. Emma brings a strong background in education , innovation, and public service, joining us after many years with the Department for Education. Throughout her career, Emma has been dedicated to driving positive change for communities whose voices are not always heard.

Emma grew up in Adelaide but spent much of her life living in London, where she developed a deep passion for travel, learning, and experiencing different cultures around the world. Seven years ago, she returned to Australia to enjoy the warm weather, open spaces, and the lifestyle that comes with it.

Outside of work, Emma loves exploring new places. She and her partner are currently converting a van into a tiny home on wheels - combining their love of travel with the adventure of discovering Australia one road trip at a time. Emma is also an avid furniture-flipper, transforming old, unwanted pieces into beautiful, refreshed creations and giving them a second life. But above all, she finds the greatest joy in spending time with her husband and two grown-up children playing games, laughing, and simply enjoying being together.

Emma is now leading the LSA's Elevate Project, a series of focused improvement initiatives designed to make our service delivery faster, smarter, and more consistent. “Our goals include creating clearer access to services, strengthening staff capability, and building deeper partnerships with providers,” Emma explained. “Each of these outcomes contributes to better, more sustainable support for Participants.”

Looking ahead, Emma is most eager to see the tangible results of LSA Elevate. “Whether it’s a new resource, an improved process, or a stronger connection with Participants and providers, seeing real, measurable change is what drives me. Joining the LSA gives me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the disability sector. What excites me most is the energy and purpose of this organisation - I have the privilege of working with passionate colleagues and contributing to projects that genuinely improve people’s lives.”