[12][13] He was one of three public servant heads to be sacked by the incoming Abbott government in September 2013,[14] most likely due to his time as Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating's senior adviser.
[15] In June 2014 his appointment to head the South Australia Department of State Development was announced,[16] and he formally commenced work on 4 August.
[17] On his appointment, South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill praised his 'strong apprehension of how Government can leverage investment and develop the skills required by industry'.
[18] In the role, Russell is tasked with leading his department to guide industry, business and communities identify and capitalise upon opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
[20] Following the March 2018 SA General Election, the victorious Marshall government announced that Russell would be replaced in his public service role.
He described the new department's roles to include ensuring that universities 'turn world-class research into commercial results' and that the current regulatory framework is retained in order to facilitate new investment into the state.