Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has named his chief of staff, career diplomat Peter Woolcott, to a top role in the public service in a move that clears the way for changes among the key advisers at the top of the government.

Mr Turnbull announced on Monday afternoon that Mr Woolcott would become the Australian Public Service Commissioner, a $678,000 position that oversees thousands of government officials and their departments.

Fairfax Media understands the next chief of staff to Mr Turnbull will be Clive Mathieson, who is currently the deputy chief of staff and previously the top strategic adviser to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has appointed his chief of staff, Peter Woolcott, to a key position in the public service. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The previous public service commissioner, John Lloyd, resigned in early June after a political storm over his communications with the Institute of Public Affairs.