NSW Premier Chris Minns today announced that Simon Draper PSM will depart his role as Secretary of the NSW Premier's Department.
Mr Draper has been appointed Secretary of the Federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC.
Following Mr Draper's departure, Michael Coutts-Trotter will serve as Acting Secretary of the Premier's Department until April 2027, bringing decades of public sector leadership and experience to the role.
Mr Draper will conclude his service in the role on 4 September and Mr Coutts-Trotter will commence as Acting Premier's Department Secretary on 5 September.
Liz Livingstone will serve as Acting Secretary of NSW Treasury, ensuring continuity across the Government's economic leadership during the transition.
Quotes attributable to NSW Premier Chris Minns
"Simon has been an outstanding leader of the NSW public service and someone I've relied on every day since becoming Premier. He's made an enormous contribution to our state and to the people of New South Wales."
"While we're sorry to see him go, this appointment is a fitting recognition of his talent, his judgement and the contribution he's made to public service.
"Over the past three years, Simon has provided calm, thoughtful and trusted advice to me and to the Government, particularly through some of the most significant challenges we've faced.
"Simon has brought a distinctive blend of policy, administrative, delivery and commercial experience to guide the public service through a period of significant reform.
"This has included a strong focus on the delivery of new homes through his leadership of the Housing Delivery Authority.
"His commercial acumen has been instrumental in the establishment of the Investment Delivery Authority, supporting jobs growth and economic prosperity for New South Wales.
"Simon has stood alongside grieving communities following Australia's worst terror attack in Bondi, responding to their needs with urgency and compassion.
"He has guided negotiations between government, unions and public sector agencies to improve pay and conditions for public sector workers, delivering on a key government commitment to protect essential services.
"I know he'll make an outstanding Federal Secretary, and I thank him for everything he's done for New South Wales.
"I'm pleased that Michael Coutts-Trotter has agreed to step into the role on an acting basis. Michael is one of Australia's most respected public servants, and his experience, judgement and steady leadership will ensure a seamless transition until after the next election."
