She has held senior legal and executive roles across territorial government
The Northern Territory government has congratulated Gemma Lake, who has been chief executive officer of the Attorney‑General’s Department since late 2020, on receiving the Public Service Medal (PSM), a national recognition announced as part of the 2026 Australia Day awards.
In its news release, the territorial government expressed gratitude to Lake for her ongoing service. The NT government noted that Lake’s award reflects her consistent leadership across her legal, policy, and executive roles, as well as her longtime contributions to the Northern Territory.
In her career with the NT government, Lake has led complex territorial projects and reforms focusing on public sector governance, service delivery, and improved outcomes for Territorians.
“I’m deeply honoured to receive the PSM and to be recognised alongside so many dedicated public servants,” Lake said in the news release. “Any contribution I’ve made has been possible because of the talented, committed people I’ve worked with across the Northern Territory Public Service, and to those who have guided and mentored me along the way.”
Lake’s professional background has spanned commercial and public sector law. She has held senior legal and executive positions across the NT government.
“The work we do across the public sector is ultimately about serving Territorians,” she said. “I’m proud to have spent my career working with colleagues who are committed to integrity, professionalism and improving outcomes for our community.”
Lake’s LinkedIn page and the territorial government’s news release provided more information regarding her work experience and educational background.
At the beginning of her public service career, she was a summer clerk at the Lands Titles Office in what was then the Department of Law. In that role, she worked with Greg Shanahan, who served as the registrar-general at the time and who also received the Public Service Medal.
Lake was a summer clerk in litigation and the then Agency Legal Services unit, and later an articled clerk in that department. After earning admission to legal practice, she worked in the commercial division of the Solicitor for the Northern Territory, the territorial government’s in-house legal practice.
She was senior legal counsel and general counsel (acting) at the Power and Water Corporation. She has most recently served as acting chief executive officer of the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure.
Lake took a professional management program in management and leadership at the University of Adelaide in 2009. From 1997–2001, she worked toward her LLB and BA in English at the University of Newcastle and Northern Territory University.
