Australia Appoints Simon Draper as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources

The Australian Government has announced that the Governor-General has appointed Simon Draper PSM as the new Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

Mr Draper, who currently serves as Secretary of the New South Wales Premier’s Department, brings extensive experience across the public sector. His previous leadership roles include CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, CEO of Infrastructure NSW, and Secretary of the NSW Department of Industry. He also has significant experience in the infrastructure, utilities and energy sectors.

In 2022, Mr Draper was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) for his outstanding leadership at Infrastructure NSW, particularly for coordinating the construction industry’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting New South Wales’ economic recovery.

Mr Draper will begin his five-year term on 6 October 2026.

The Government also expressed its appreciation to Julia Pickworth for her service as Acting Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

Source: Government of Australia/Media