Simon Draper takes over federal Industry department after 5-month gap
Former NSW official Simon Draper has started as head of the federal Department of Industry, Science, and Resources, replacing Meghan Quinn.
Simon Draper started this week as head of the federal Department of Industry, Science, and Resources, ending the department's five-month stretch without a permanent leader. Meghan Quinn was promoted to Defence secretary in May.
Draper replaces her. Draper arrives at a critical time.
The department is ditching its tech jobs target. It is redesigning its startup program.
It is also managing remaining AI policy work. The Prime Minister took the lead on AI policy in July with his own dedicated office.
But the Industry department still handles business use of AI and certain industry-led research efforts. Draper's appointment shows Australia's commitment to practical industry policy as the tech sector reshapes the economy.
- Meghan Quinn, promoted May
- Previous leader
- five months
- Vacancy period
- Industry, Science, and Resources
- Department
- July dedicated office
- PM's AI move
Why it mattersStable leadership at Industry is important as Australia deals with AI use, startup funding and tech sector strategy during rapid global change.
AustraliaAustralian startups, tech companies and manufacturers will now have consistent federal leadership on innovation policy and AI implementation.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 45 min ago
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