A veteran of the public service has announced his retirement. 

Australian Public Service (APS) Commissioner Peter Woolcott has announced he will retire from his post just four months before the end of his five-year tenure. 

Woolcott joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1981. The former diplomat and lead negotiator on the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was appointed to the position in 2018 after serving in senior positions at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including as Australia’s high commissioner to New Zealand and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva.

Woolcott was awarded the Order of Australia in 2017 for his outstanding work in international relations, particularly in non-proliferation and arms control. 

His tenure as APS commissioner saw significant achievements, including the launch of the APS Academy and the first APS Workforce Strategy.

Minister for the public service Katy Gallagher thanked Woolcott for his dedicated service and leadership, adding that she valued his advice, contributions and support. 

The government says it is currently undergoing a merit-based recruitment process to find Woolcott's replacement.

According to reports, Woolcott was expected to continue in his role until August, but the passing of his father and APS stalwart Dick Woolcott in February may have hastened his decision to retire early. Woolcott will formally step down in May.

“I would like to thank Mr Woolcott for his leadership and distinguished and dedicated service and I wish him all the best for the next stage in his life,” Gallagher said. 

“Under Mr Woolcott’s leadership, the APSC has played a key role in driving reforms to build a stronger APS.”