Media Releases
Thursday, 5th February 2026
Appointment of new Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
I am pleased to announce the Governor-General has appointed Mr Simon Duggan as the Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).
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.
Mr Duggan’s term will commence on 16 February 2026 for a five-year period.
I would like to thank Ms Tania Rishniw for acting as Secretary since December 2025.
Sign up to get the latest news from Anthony
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese, ALP, Canberra.