- Canberra
- Applications close 5 June 2026
Interested parties are invited to submit an application for the role of Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (the Department). This document includes information on the role and application requirements.
Under the
Public Service Act 1999 (Public Service Act), the Secretary of the Department is appointed by the Governor-General, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, on a full-time basis for a period of up to 5 years.
Under section 57 of the Public Service Act, the roles of the Secretary include:
- principal official policy adviser to the Minister for Resources, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science
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ensuring delivery of government programs and collaboration to achieve outcomes within the portfolio and, with other secretaries, across the whole of government
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providing stewardship within the Department and, in partnership with the Secretaries Board, across the APS.
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Section 57 also outlines the responsibilities of the Secretary, which are to:
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manage the affairs of the Department efficiently, effectively, economically and ethically
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advise Ministers about matters relating to the Department
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implement measures directed at ensuring that the Department complies with the law
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provide leadership, strategic direction and a focus on results for the Department
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maintain clear lines of communication within the portfolio, as negotiated between the Secretary and the other agency heads in the portfolio
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engage with stakeholders, particularly in relation to the core activities of the Department
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manage the affairs of the Department in a way that is not inconsistent with the policies of the Commonwealth and the interests of the APS as a whole
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ensure that the portfolio has a strong strategic policy capability that can consider complex, whole of government issues
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assist the ministers to fulfil their accountability obligations to the Parliament to provide factual information, as required by the Parliament, in relation to the operation and administration of the Department.
As Accountable Authority of the Department, the Secretary leads more than 3,200 staff and is accountable for the Department’s performance under the
Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). The Secretary works in close partnership with seven agencies across the Industry, Science and Resources portfolio, including the Net Zero Economy Agency and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.
As a member of the Secretaries Board established by section 64 of the Public Service Act, the Secretary plays a key stewardship role across the Australian Public Service. Further information regarding the membership and functions of the Secretaries Board is available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website.
The Department and its broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. The Department’s purpose is to build a better future for all Australians by enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology.
The Department’s key activities are:
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Growing innovative and competitive businesses, industries and regions.
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Investing in science and technology.
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Supporting a strong resources sector.
The Department is working across its areas of responsibility to maximise opportunities as Australia moves towards a net zero future and to secure Australia’s place in a changing global environment. The Department supports the science, research and critical technologies that will deliver economic and social benefits into the future.
The Department’s Corporate Plan 2025–29 outlines how it will achieve its purpose and deliver on the government’s agenda.
Further information about the Department is also available in its Annual Report 2024–25.
The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain, or continue to hold, a security clearance at the Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) level to conduct their duties and functions.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo an Australian Federal Police check.
The successful applicant would be subject to duties and obligations under the Public Service Act and other relevant Commonwealth legislation, including but not limited to the PGPA Act, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Archives Act 1983.
The Australian Government values a workforce that reflects the diversity of the Australian community, and encourages applications from all individuals, including those living with disabilities, First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Reasonable adjustments may be requested through the contact officer at any stage of the recruitment process.
The Remuneration Tribunal and the Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) share responsibility for the remuneration arrangements for most Departmental Secretaries. The Tribunal determines the general classification structure for the office of Secretary and the classification of each individual office. This is published in the Remuneration Tribunal (Departmental Secretaries—Classification Structure and Terms and Conditions) Determination, which is updated from time to time. The determination also contains provisions relating to leave, travel, geographic relocation and loss of office.
The Secretary of PM&C, in consultation with the President of the Tribunal and the Australian Public Service Commissioner, assigns each Secretary to a specific pay point in the classification structure determined by the Tribunal. The current instrument of assignment is published on the PM&C website.
The Secretary of the Department is assigned to level 4, pay point two in the classification structure, providing for remuneration of $880,340 per annum.
Under section 58 of the Public Service Act, the Governor General appoints the Secretary of a Department on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
A Secretary holds office on a full-time basis and will be located in Canberra, ACT. The Public Service Act provides that appointment is for 5 years, or a shorter period if requested.
The Public Service Act also provides that a Secretary is eligible for reappointment.
If at any time prior to the appointment, an actual or potential conflict of interest arises or may arise for any applicant, they should immediately notify the contact officer.
This includes any professional, commercial or personal relationships with a member of the panel or if the applicant has a relationship with, and/or obligations to, an organisation or issue which would affect, or be perceived to affect, the performance of the role and/or could bring disrepute to the office of the Secretary.
If a conflict of interest is identified the selection panel may:
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exclude the application from further consideration
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enter into discussions to seek to resolve such conflict of interest, or
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take any other action as it considers appropriate.
Applicants found suitable for appointment may need to complete a private interests declaration as part of the recruitment process. The successful applicant will need to provide declarations of private interests to ministers throughout their term of appointment.
Applications must be submitted online through the PM&C job vacancy website by 11:30pm AEST on Friday, 5 June 2026.
Applications must include the following components:
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current resume/curriculum vitae (maximum of four pages), including the contact details of two referees
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a statement of claims of no more than one page about how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications make you the best person for the role. Your claims will be assessed against the evaluation criteria below
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if required, a disclosure of any perceived, real or potential conflicts of interest, and proposed mitigating actions.
If you are having difficulty in using the online application process or need to discuss reasonable adjustments required to participate in an interview or other forms of assessment, please advise the contact officer prior to the closing date for applications.
To be successful in this role, you will need to be an experienced and influential leader with a proven record in leading and delivering highly complex and significant outcomes.
You will operate with the highest levels of integrity and have a strong commitment to position the APS to meet current and future challenges and needs, and drive the strategic priorities for the APS.
Your statement of claims will be assessed against the following criteria:
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Demonstrated experience in the successful management of large and/or complex operations.
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Demonstrated experience in dealing with highly sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and impartiality.
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Demonstrated communication skills, including public reporting, engaging with senior stakeholders and building and sustaining trusted relationships at the most senior levels of the Parliament and government.
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Demonstrated commitment to leadership that sets the standard for personal and professional integrity and performance, and inspires, empowers and develops people.
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Comprehensive knowledge (or the ability to quickly obtain comprehensive knowledge) of Australia’s industry, science and resource sectors.
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Knowledge (or the ability to quickly obtain knowledge) of the legislative frameworks that govern Commonwealth public administration, including the Public Service Act and the PGPA Act.
Information supplied for this recruitment process will be collected, used and stored for purposes of assessing your suitability for the appointment as Secretary.
This includes reviewing your qualifications, experience, and alignment with the requirements of the role, and may involve contact with referees or relevant professional bodies.
Your information may be shared with members of the selection panel, an external service provider supporting the recruitment process, relevant government departments and Ministers. All information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and any other relevant legislation or organisational policies.
If you have any concerns about how your information will be used, please contact [email protected].
For more information about the role or to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require as part of the recruitment process, the contact officer is Andrew Walter - First Assistant Secretary, Government Division, PM&C on 02 6271 5789 or via email on [email protected]
