 In January 2009, Mackie chaired the State Emergency Management Committee, co-ordinating the state's response to a major heatwave emergency.As Deputy Chief Executive, his responsibilities included Arts SA, SafeWork SA, Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Capital City Committee Directorate, the Adelaide Thinkers in Residence Program and State Records.During this period he also established the Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) and the Integrated Design Commission SA.