Former Victorian Public Sector commissioner Dr Paul Grimes has taken on a new role with the New South Wales government, after leaving the VPS in January.
Grimes has been appointed coordinator general environment, energy and science, within the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, starting April 6.
Prior to working as VPS commissioner, he has served in a number of federal roles including secretary of the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, secretary of the Department of Agriculture, associate secretary in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and deputy secretary in the Department of Finance.
He has also worked as a deputy secretary in the South Australian Treasury, and as chief executive of the ACT Treasury.
Read more: VPS commissioner leaves role to be with family
Environment minister Matt Kean said Grimes has the strong leadership needed to help the state government “preserve our environment, support our industries and contribute to a strong economy”.
“Protecting our natural environment and its unique native plants and animals, delivering safe, reliable and cost-competitive energy and supporting investment in renewable energy in New South Wales has never been more important,” he said on Monday.
Kean thanked Tracy Mackey, who has “done an exemplary job” while acting in the coordinator general role during the recent bushfire crisis, and more recently in supporting the waste and energy sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grimes will commence as the Coordinator General Environment, Energy and Science on Monday 6 April.
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