New Home Affairs head appointed after Pezzullo sacking

Ms Foster had been serving as the acting Home Affairs secretary after Mr Pezzullo was initially stood aside pending an inquiry.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Ms Foster will serve a five-year appointment in a permanent role, which started on Tuesday.

"Ms Foster has well-established relationships across the Australian Public Service and significant policy experience, which make her eminently suitable to the role of secretary," he said.

Previously, Ms Foster has served as associate Home Affairs secretary, and was the deputy secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

She has also held senior positions in the Australian Public Service Commission, the Department of Infrastructure and the Department of Defence.