The role will be taken over by Mark Fraser who has served as the Governor-General’s deputy secretary for the past five years and has worked as the consul-general in the Netherlands and consul in Turkey.

The Governor-General said he was delighted to have Mr Fraser as his official secretary.

“I am looking forward to drawing on Mark’s considerable protocol, governance and management experience, and his global outlook and contemporary approach to leadership in the public sector,” he said.

Mr Fraser will also serve as secretary to the Council for the Order of Australia and the Australian Bravery Decorations Council.

The incoming secretary has experience in major event planning including the Anzac Day commemoration in Turkey and was awarded an Order of Australia medal for his role in crisis response management following the Bali bombings.

During his time as the Governor-General’s deputy secretary, Mr Fraser was responsible for day-to-day management and administration as well ceremonial duties including state visits.

He was made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order for his services to the Crown in 2013.

He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, Public Relations and Journalism, a Masters of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and a Global Executive Master of Business Administration.

Mr Cosgrove said the departing Mr Brady had done an outstanding job as official secretary for almost six years.

“Through his sophisticated, nuanced and professional advice, Stephen has contemporised operations, improved accountability and performance, and achieved new levels of outreach and engagement by this office,” he said.

Mr Fraser will begin his new position on Friday morning.