Andrews loyalist ousted from premier’s office

Chris Barrett, current secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance, has been announced as Premier Ben Carroll’s new secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Barrett will replace Jeremi Moule, who was in the role since November 2020 under Daniel Andrews.

Barrett last worked at the department in 2007, when he served as deputy secretary.

“He [Barrett] brings to the role deep experience leading a major Victorian department, many years of public service in Canberra and representing Australia overseas, and a strong understanding of the state’s priorities,” Carroll said in a statement.

Moule has worked for the public service for more than two decades, replacing Chris Eccles as the department’s secretary during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eccles was appointed by Andrews the day after Labor’s 2014 election triumph.

Barrett will start his new role as secretary on Monday.

More to come