The Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has welcomed the appointment of Mr Drew Clarke PSM to the role of Secretary, Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.
Mr Clarke has been the Department's Deputy Secretary since May 2008. He has extensive experience across the Department's three divisions and he has had a distinguished public sector career.
Mr Clarke replaces Mr John Pierce who has resigned as Secretary to take up the position of Chair of the Australian Energy Market Commission.
Minister Ferguson said: "I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Mr Pierce for the important work he has undertaken as Secretary of my Department.
"He played a central role in both the development of the Australian Government's tourism research strategy and the Government's energy industry engagement as part of the climate change policy development process."
"I wish Mr Pierce well in his new role as Chair of the Australian Energy Market Commission.
"John's extensive experience and understanding of energy markets will be particularly important in ensuring Australia maintains secure, reliable and affordable energy supplies.
"This is a major challenge for the future as the economy grows and Australia moves to a lower emissions, more efficient, energy system over time."
As Deputy Secretary, Mr Clarke has:
- Led the development of the Australian Government's Global Carbon Capture and Storage Initiative;
- Been responsible for the implementation of the Government's $4.5 billion Clean Energy Initiative;
- Overseen the development of the National Long-term Tourism Strategy; and,
- Led Australia's international energy engagement, including the International Energy Agency and the vital technology elements of climate change negotiations.
Minister Ferguson said: "Mr Clarke will take up his appointment as Secretary on 17 April.
"I would like to congratulate him on this appointment and I look forward to working closely with him to deliver the Government's resources, energy and tourism agenda."