Simon Duggan, the new Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, at Senate Estimates on 24 February 2025. Photo: DCCEEW.
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) has a new secretary after the Federal Government dismissed former secretary Natalie James just days before Christmas last year.
Career public servant Simon Duggan will begin a five-year term on 16 February.
Anthony Albanese made the announcement on Thursday afternoon (5 February) following parliamentary Question Time.
“I am pleased to announce the Governor-General has appointed Mr Simon Duggan as the Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.
“Mr Duggan has an extensive career in the Australian Public Service, most recently as the Deputy Secretary of the Energy Group at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
“Prior to joining DCCEEW, Mr Duggan was a Deputy Secretary at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet where he led the Economy and Industry Group and served as Australia’s G20 and G7 plus Sherpa.
“Mr Duggan also spent 18 years at the Department of the Treasury, leading on policy reforms relating to the domestic and international economy.”
The PM also thanked Tania Rishniw for acting as Secretary since December 2025.
Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth effectively gave Ms James one day’s notice in December.
While her official departure date was 18 January 2026, Ms James was placed on leave from 17 December until that date, terminating her appointment 18 months before her five-year term was due to expire.
She was the second department secretary to be fired in three months, sparking concerns over the Federal Government’s relationship with the Australian Public Service.
Adam Fennessy left the top job at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in September, two years before his five-year term was due to end.
It was subsequently revealed during a Senate Estimates hearing in October that Mr Fennessy was “terminated” under section 59 of the Public Service Act and would receive an almost $900,000 golden handshake.
