A career built on integrity: Shannon Black joins Communities.
From detective and corruption investigator to Executive Director of Professional Standards, Shannon Black has built a career on tackling complex investigations, driving accountability and helping organisations strengthen public trust.
Now leading Professional Standards at Communities, Shannon brings more than 20 years of experience across law enforcement, investigations and public sector integrity agencies, including the WA Police Force, the Australian Federal Police, the WA Electoral Commission, Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
Shannon has stepped into the role following Andrew Salter’s temporary move to the Department of Housing and Works for 12 months.
Raised in Merredin, Shannon initially intended to pursue a career in intelligence but decided that field wasn’t for her, instead joining the detective ranks where she spent several years investigating complex cases.
As a senior investigator at the CCC, she led investigations into high profile white-collar corruption cases, including presenting case findings at the Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference in 2022, together with Andrew Salter.
Her most recent role was at the NACC, where she served as Director Operations WA and she says her move to Communities was a natural progression.
“Most of my work has always been in the investigation, integrity and corruption space predominantly in the last 15-plus years,” she said.
What she hopes to achieve in Communities
Shannon has hit the ground running since her first day and is focussed on building her understanding of the diverse nature of Communities’ responsibilities.
“I’m working very hard to get up to speed about the business of Communities, such as child protection and disability, so I have an understanding and can contribute more,” she said.
“Integrity Capability identifies a lot of risks and trends and moves towards an education phase for staff who need to be informed about these, and we will continue to do that.
“We’re always looking for business as usual improvements, efficiencies and streamlining. I think Professional Standards has a place in every agency where you’re getting new staff and a lot of turnover, it’s an ongoing responsibility to make sure everyone’s informed and educated.”
The Department of Communities is always looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. For more information and current opportunities, please visit Careers at Communities .
