The CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority has been chosen to assume the role of Permanent Secretary at the NSW Premier's Department. 

The appointment, effective from September 1, will see Simon Draper succeed the acting secretary, Peter Duncan.

Draper, who brings a wealth of experience in public service to his new position, has been at the helm of the NSW Reconstruction Authority since his inaugural appointment as CEO in February. 

Prior to this, he held prominent roles as the Secretary of the NSW Department of Industry, Deputy Secretary of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, and as the CEO of Infrastructure NSW.

Expressing his gratitude for the appointment, Draper stated; “I have done many things in my career - I saw the best of what can be achieved when the public service came together during COVID and again in our work in the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

“I look forward to supporting the Premier and his priorities and driving effort from the heart of government to improve the lives of the NSW community.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns praised Mr Draper's exceptional leadership qualities, describing him as a “highly regarded leader in the NSW public sector”.

The NSW government has also revealed that William Murphy, currently serving as Policy Deputy Secretary, will step in as the Acting Cabinet Office Secretary. 

Murphy's leadership during the Delta COVID-19 wave earned him recognition as one of the IPAA’s national fellows.

The recruitment process for a permanent secretary is currently underway. 

Earlier this year, the NSW government split the Department of Premier and Cabinet into two distinct entities: the NSW Premier's Department and the NSW Cabinet Office.

Notably, alongside these secretary appointments, Janelle Saffin, the Member for Lismore, has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery. 

She will play a role in supporting the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will continue to report to the Ministers for Planning and Emergency Services, with Saffin providing valuable assistance.