NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet today announced the appointment of Michael Coutts-Trotter to the role of Secretary of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Mr Coutts-Trotter has had a distinguished career in the NSW public service, having led five agencies since first being appointed as a department head in 2004, including the Department of Education and his current role as Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice.
“I am very pleased Michael has agreed to head the Department of Premier and Cabinet at this critical time, and I am looking forward to working closely with him as we continue to build a better future for NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Michael’s dedication to serving the people of NSW is something I have long admired, he will bring tremendous experience, humility and energy to what is a very important and challenging position.”
As previously announced, Tim Reardon is stepping down from the role of Secretary in October, with plans to return to the private sector.
Mr Reardon has led the state’s 400,000 strong public service during three of the biggest challenges in the state’s history – a severe drought, the recent bushfire crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I would like to thank Tim for an outstanding decade of service with the NSW Government. He has led significant change and reform in his position of Secretary of Transport for NSW and in his current role,” Mr Perrottet said.
The current Secretary of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Mr Jim Betts had been due to take over from Mr Reardon.
The Premier also thanked Mr Betts for his understanding in the change of direction.
