Simon Draper Named Secretary of Australia’s Industry Department
Synopsis
The former NSW Premier's Department secretary will lead the federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources from 6 October on a five-year term, succeeding acting secretary Julia Pickworth.
Simon Draper, a former head of the NSW Premier's Department, has been appointed Industry Department Secretary in Australia's Cabinet reshuffle and will lead the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) from 6 October for a five-year term.
He will take on from former secretary Meghan Quinn who stepped in for acting secretary Julia Pickworth since Quinn resigned. Draper's promotion puts one of NSW's senior public servants in a pivotal federal economic policy position.
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources advises the Government on industry and manufacturing, science and innovation, resources and critical minerals and technology policy and is responsible for implementing various business support and investment initiatives.
Leadership Transition for a Key Economic Portfolio
Following a number of senior roles in state and federal governments, Draper was appointed Secretary of the NSW Premier's Department in February 2024. While in NSW he served in a range of whole of government policy and economic reform and public sector administration roles before taking on the federal appointment.
The NSW Government announced the resignation of Draper and expressed its gratitude for his service to the State. The federal government said he will take over his new job on 6 October, to give permanent leadership to one of the Commonwealth's biggest policy departments.
The Australian Government's Administrative Arrangements Order makes DISR responsible for industry policy, science, research, resources, critical minerals, manufacturing, space, quantum technologies and Australia's National Measurement Institute.
The department also collaborates with other agencies such as CSIRO, Geoscience Australia, IP Australia and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.
Industry Department Oversees Major Growth Sectors
As Australia continues to grow investment in its advanced manufacturing, clean energy industries and critical minerals supply chains, Draper takes over.
The department's latest Resources and Energy Quarterly forecasts that, after an estimated A$405 billion in 2025-26, Australia's resources and energy export earnings will reach A$416 billion in 2026-27.
Australia's most important export is forecast to be iron ore, with gold, liquefied natural gas and metallurgical coal also playing a significant role.
The department has a key role in the development of policies that impact on industrial investment, commercialisation of research, advanced manufacturing and resource development in Australian and international businesses.
The secretaries of the department are tasked to be responsible for the leadership of the public service agency responsible for implementing government policy and running it.
Source: Capital Brief
Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
