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| Minister for Defence Stephen Smith MP |
I congratulate Dr Ian Watt on his appointment as the Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
I first worked with Ian when he was the Secretary of the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts and I was the Shadow Minister for Communications. He was an exemplary public servant in the traditional mould then, as he is now.
He will provide the Government with advice of quality and integrity on public policy and public administration.
His appointment as the Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet reflects the breadth of his experience, his standing, and the regard in which he is held in Government and in the public sector.
His departure as Secretary of the Department of Defence is a loss for the Defence organisation but having a Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet who understands the national security and defence issues, including budget, capability, acquisition and sustainment issues will be a considerable advantage for central agency consideration of these complex issues.
As Minister for Defence I have very much enjoyed working with Ian. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity.
I congratulate Mr Duncan Lewis on his appointment as the Secretary of the Department of Defence.
I first worked closely with Duncan when he was a Deputy Secretary in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Both as Foreign and Defence Minister I have worked closely with Duncan as the National Security Adviser on international, national security and defence issues.
Duncan is very well qualified to discharge the heavy responsibility of Secretary of the Department of Defence.
I look forward to him taking up his position and working closely with him.