Kay Austin has served in senior executive roles in the civil service in Canberra in human resources. Her experience includes management roles in the Australian Signals Directorate, the British MIinistry of Defence,  the ACT government, Government House (office of the Governor General), and civil personnel in the Australian Department of Defence. She was a member of a review team for military retirement benefits. Kay held teaching roles in Hong Kong. She is a graduate of the Senior Women in Management Program of the Australian Public Service. Kay has a Bachelor or Arts and Diploma in Education.