Malcolm Turnbull has appointed a senior public servant, Heather Smith, to lead the communications department, pre-empting the arrival of Smith’s husband, Martin Parkinson, as head of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C).
Smith, a deputy secretary in PM&C, had faced the prospect of reporting directly to Parkinson but government sources said Smith had been considered for some time as next in line for a position as secretary of a department.
The vacancy at the top of the Department of Communications and the Arts arose as a result of the then secretary, Drew Clarke, moving into Turnbull’s office as his chief of staff after Tony Abbott was ousted as prime minister in September.
Turnbull confirmed Smith’s appointment in a media release on Monday. He said Smith had headed the prime minister’s taskforce on innovation, led work on public data policy and taken on a senior role during G20 talks in 2014.
“She has had an extensive and distinguished career in the public sector in a number of roles and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this position,” the prime minister said.
“I congratulate Dr Smith on her appointment.”
Smith’s five-year appointment begins on 25 January. Parkinson, a former Treasury secretary who lost his position under Abbott’s leadership, is due to return to the public service as secretary of PM&C on 23 January.
