Release type: Media Release

Date:

Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

Ministers:

The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

The Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Ms Natalie James, will conclude her term as Secretary on 18 January 2026.

I would like to thank Ms James for her service as Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. I would like to particularly acknowledge her leadership of the Department in delivering the Government’s first-term workplace relations and skills and training reforms.

Ms James will take leave from Wednesday, 17 December 2025. Ms Tania Rishniw will act as Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations until a replacement for Ms James is appointed.

I wish Ms James all the best with her future endeavours.