NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet boss, Tim Reardon, hands in resignation

NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet boss, Tim Reardon, will see NSW through its Covid crisis, returning to the private sector in October.

Secretary of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, Tim Reardon, says “it is simply time for leadership renewal”. Picture: News Corp

Gladys Berejiklian’s top public servant has tendered his resignation, saying he will return to the private sector to “keep driving economic recovery, like everyone else”.

In a letter to colleagues, obtained by The Australian, Tim Reardon said he had advised the premier he would see out his role as Secretary of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet by October.

He was appointed to the role by Ms Berejiklian in 2017 not long after becoming NSW Premier. At the time she said Mr Reardon’s “strategic infrastructure planning and project delivery (had) been at the heart of this Government’s achievements”.

Mr Reardon’s resignation comes as the state endures a prolonged lockdown and spiking rates of COVID-19 infection, although he has indicated he will stay in the role to see the state through its present challenges.

“After 10 years serving the NSW Government at the most senior executive levels it is simply time for leadership renewal,” Mr Reardon’s letter said.

“I will work through the current lockdown and the next stages of the vaccine rollout, I will remain here up until October.

“NSW has aimed to have a world class public service - that is what we have. To every one of you I have worked with across the NSW Government, I simply say thank you.”

Mr Reardon was appointed to the role by Ms Berejiklian after she became premier in 2017. The premier has been approached for comment.

Prior to running the department he was the Secretary of the Department of Transport.