Abbott switches Halton to head Finance

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has appointed Jane Halton to the role of secretary to the Department of Finance after receiving approval from the governor-general.

Ms Halton, who has been secretary to the Department of Health since 2002, will replace David Tune who is retiring from Finance on June 28 after a long career in the public service dating back to 1976.

Mr Abbott said Ms Halton, who is appointed for a five-year term, has made a substantial contribution to the development of health policy and programs in Australia and internationally and will bring considerable expertise to her new position.

He will announce her replacement at the Department of Health soon.

At the same time, Mr Abbott announced the reappointment of Mike Mrdak for a further three years as secretary to the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.

He confirmed Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson will leave his position in mid-December. His replacement will be announced at a later date.