Malcolm Turnbull announces new chief-of-staff

Clive Mathieson will replace Peter Woolcott as Malcolm Turnbull’s chief-of-staff.

Mr Mathieson is expected to sharpen political strategy inside the PMO.

Malcolm Turnbull has restructured his office in the lead-up to the next federal election, ­appointing Clive Mathieson his new chief of staff in a move to bolster the government’s political ­strategy.

The Prime Minister’s current chief of staff, Peter Woolcott — a former high commissioner to New Zealand — has been appointed as the next Australian Public Service commissioner, a job that pays more than $700,000.

Mr Woolcott — who followed Drew Clarke and Greg Moriarty in the role — will begin his new role on August 9 after spending only 10 months in the Prime ­Minister’s Office.

Mr Mathieson, a former editor of The Australian and senior ­adviser to NSW premiers Mike Baird and Gladys Berejiklian, is Mr Turnbull’s fourth chief of staff in three years.

Clive Mathieson. Picture: Hollie Adams

The former journalist, who is currently deputy chief of staff, will work closely with Mr Turnbull’s most senior advisers, Sally Cray and David Bold, in honing the Prime Minister’s policy and political strategy.

Mr Turnbull’s three previous chiefs of staff were veterans of the public service.

Mr Mathieson’s appointment reflects a new approach ahead of the election, which is due by May next year.

Mr Clarke and Mr Woolcott both received salaries in the Prime Minister’s Office on their public servant rates, Mr Clarke being paid $691,200, almost $200,000 more than Mr Turnbull.

Mr Moriarty was appointed Defence Department secretary by Mr Turnbull last year after a short stint in his ­office.

The appointment of Mr Woolcott follows the resignation of John Lloyd and comes after a three-­decade career in the public service.

In a statement yesterday, Mr Turnbull said Mr Woolcott was “highly regarded and respected”, having served as Australia’s ­permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, ambassador for the ­environment, ambassador for ­people-smuggling issues and ­ambassador to Italy.

Mr Turnbull said Mr Woolcott was “well qualified” to ensure that the APS was “fit-for-purpose in the years and decades ahead”.

He thanked Mr Lloyd for his “significant contribution to the Australian Public Service and the Australian people over a number of decades”.

Greg Moriarty - who was elevated to Defence secretary - and Drew Clarke - a former senior public servant - also served as chief-of-staff to Mr Turnbull.