New South Wales has a new Public Service Commissioner.

Former Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) deputy secretary Kathrina Lo has been appointed to the position, the next step in a career that has spanned a number of state and federal public sector roles.

She comes from her most recent role as deputy secretary, law reform and legal services at DCJ.

Prior to that, she held senior roles at the NSW Audit Office and NSW Information and Privacy Commission.

Special minister of state Don Harwin says Ms Lo will boost delivery of services to the public and drive renewal.

“Her experience will be invaluable in continuing to reshape the NSW public service so it can deliver innovation and customer service, while always promoting the highest levels of integrity, accountability and leadership,” he said.

Department of Premier and Cabinet secretary Tim Reardon said Ms Lo’s appointment would be highly beneficial to the NSW community.

“With a significant frontline workforce — doctors, nurses, ambulance officers, health workers, police, teachers, bus and train drivers, community service workers — the role of the NSW public service is never more important than right now,” he said.

“Ms Lo will bring strong leadership to ensure the public sector continues to deliver these essential services to the NSW community, while also being a driver of change so we are continuously learning, adapting and improving.”

Ms Lo commences on April 14, replacing Scott Johnston, who has been acting in the role since October 2019.