Ms Payne has extensive experience in the VET sector, encompassing a range of frontline, senior management and regulatory roles. Her career includes 32 years working in the public sector with Central Regional TAFE, formerly the Durack Institute of Technology and Central West TAFE.

Ms Payne’s extensive experience with CR TAFE includes several periods acting in the Managing Director role.

Ms Payne was most recently the TAFE’s Director of Training for 11 years. She was initially appointed as the TAFE’s Manager of Learning Resources before moving into Manager of Quality and Planning; Director of Organisational Effectiveness; and Director of Planning and Partnerships roles.

Ms Payne holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Australia, a Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies from Curtin University of Technology and a Graduate Certificate in Management (Professional Practice) from Charles Sturt University.

Ms Payne was appointed to the Managing Director position by His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia, for a five-year term commencing 17 May 2022. "