Fed: PM says Wilton departure not a sign of his future

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Fed: PM says Wilton departure not a sign of his future

SYDNEY, Dec 18 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard today said the departure of his topadviser should not be seen to have implications for anybody else's future.

Max Moore-Wilton will finish as Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabineton Friday, ahead of taking up a board position in a private company.

His departure has sparked speculation about the prime minister's future.

Mr Howard today paid tribute to the loyalty of Mr Moore-Wilton, who he handpicked torun the public service in 1996.

But he said he was not surprised by the move.

"People shouldn't read into his departure any implications for anybody else's future,"

Mr Howard told Sydney radio C91.3.

"Max's departure is not surprising.

"He indicated to me in general terms a little while ago that he would see himself returningto the private sector some time during the government's third term in office.

"I always expected that that would occur."

Mr Moore-Wilton's resignation as the government's key policy adviser comes after thedeparture of Mr Howard's key political adviser Lynton Crosby, who finished as LiberalParty federal director in November.

AAP sal/cd/sb

KEYWORD: WILTON HOWARD