PM names new public service commissioner

A former Australian diplomat and the prime minister’s current chief of staff will be the next head of the nation’s public service commission.

Peter Woolcott will be tasked with driving reform in the sector when he becomes Australian Public Service Commissioner on August 9, following John Lloyd’s resignation, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced on Monday.

Mr Woolcott has worked in the public service for the past three decades, including as ambassador to Italy between 2004 and 2007, and is currently on leave from his job as deputy secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs to serve as Mr Turnbull’s chief of staff.