AS part of the Machinery of Government changes implemented under Prime Minister Tony Abbott, a number of Secretaries have been appointed by the Governor-General to assist in executing the Coalition’s pre-election promises and polices.

Following the decision to dismantle the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport, Ms Glenys Beauchamp PSM has been reassigned as Secretary of the Department of Industry. In her new role, Ms Beauchamp will work with Minister of Industry Ian Macfarlane to deliver on policies affecting resources, energy and tourism.

Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM has been appointed as Secretary of the Department of Environment to support Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt in abolishing the carbon tax and the executing the Coalition’s Direct Action plan.

Additionally, Ms Renee Leon PSM is now the Secretary of the Department of Employment, charged with advising employment minister Christopher Pyne on job creation initiatives to reduce Australia’s unemployment rate.

Ms Lisa Paul PSM AO has also been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Education and Dr Paul Grimes PSM is now the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

As a result of the departmental restructure, three former Secretaries, Dr Don Russell, Mr Blair Comley PSM and Mr Andrew Metcalfe AO were stood down with recognition for their extensive work in the public service. Additionally, Dr Martin Parkinson PSM advised of his intention to stand down in mid-2014.