Cr Mathews has extensive experience in leadership and governance having served as Director-General of the Department of Local Government from 2008-2017. As Director General, Cr Mathews led the Department’s regulatory oversight of the local government sector in Western Australia, with responsibility for a diverse range of portfolios including regional development, youth, seniors, early years and multicultural interests.
Jennifer served as Western Australia’s Commissioner to Indonesia from 2017 to 2021, and as a commercial lawyer with Freehills in Jakarta, Melbourne and Perth.
Earlier in her career, Jennifer held senior Commonwealth roles in Western Australia as State Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and as State Manager of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.
Jennifer is Immediate Past President of the Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC), having served as National President from 2021-2025. Jennifer also serves as Deputy Chair on the national board of Economic Development Australia (EDA) and is an active member of Chief Executive Women. She also serves as a member of the Methodist Ladies College Council. In 2024 Jennifer was invested as a Dame of the Sovereign Order of St John of Jerusalem - Knights Hospitaller.
Jennifer has a Bachelor of Law and Arts from the University of Melbourne..
Jennifer is married with two children.