Department secretary

A departmental secretary is in theory,[1] a non-political, non-elected public servant head (and "responsible officer") of government departments, who generally holds their position for a number of years.

A departmental secretary works with other departments and agencies to ensure the delivery of services and programs within the nominated area of responsibility.

Appointments and terminations as departmental secretary are made by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister under Sections 58 and 59 respectively of the Act.

[7] Despite being offered a diplomatic post, Barratt refused to vacate the role and commenced legal action,[8] claiming unfair dismissal and that the government had failed to follow due process.

[12] The most senior Commonwealth public servant is the secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, currently Glyn Davis.

Peter Shergold (right) in his capacity as Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet ; with then Prime Minister John Howard at a 2005 meeting in the United States.