Key Takeaways:
- Anna Faithfull has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Skills and Training at DEWR, bringing extensive leadership experience across public, private, and social sectors.
- Her appointment signals continuity in strengthening training quality while adding focus on inclusion, digital transformation, and long-term workforce development.
- Under her leadership, DEWR is advancing initiatives such as the VET Workforce Blueprint, First Nations engagement, and National Skills Week advocacy.
- The federal government has committed $100 million through the National Skills Agreement to support VET workforce capability, retention, and sustainability.
- Ms Faithfull’s cross-sectoral perspective ensures VET policy is aligned with industry needs, emerging technologies, and broader social priorities.
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) has made a significant announcement with the appointment of Anna Faithfull as the new Deputy Secretary of the Skills and Training sector.
Ms Faithfull has a distinguished career that spans both the public and private sectors, including her most recent role as Senior Client Partner with global technology consulting firm Publicis Sapient. Her previous senior leadership roles include Deputy Secretary in the Department of Justice and Community Safety in Victoria, Executive Director of NDIS, Family Violence and Social Service Reform in Victoria’s Department of Premier and Cabinet, and leading the employment venture and advisory practice at Social Ventures Australia.
An Important Development for the Sector
Ms Faithfull’s appointment comes after the departure of Nadine Williams, who transferred to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet in February. Her appointment is an important development for the skills and training sector in Australia. DEWR has made significant progress in recent years in this area, with a focus on improving the quality of vocational education and training (VET) and increasing the number of apprenticeships and traineeships.
With Ms Faithfull’s extensive experience and impressive track record, she is well placed to lead DEWR’s continued efforts in this area. Her appointment as the new deputy secretary of skills and training is a positive step forward for the department.
What’s Changed Since 2023
Co-Chairing First Nations VET Leadership Roundtables
Since mid-2024, under Ms Faithfull’s leadership, DEWR has participated in First Nations VET Roundtables with state/territory skills officials and First Nations partners. These forums are contributing to policy efforts to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners, including enhancing cultural inclusion and supporting community-led VET delivery.
Spearheading the VET Workforce Blueprint Rollout
She’s been involved in launching and supporting the VET Workforce Blueprint (October 2024), which aims to grow, retain, and better understand the VET teaching/training workforce. Under her leadership DEWR is pushing initiatives to reduce administrative burden, improve workforce data, and invest in workforce development.
Active Role in National Skills Week Advocacy
At the National Skills Week launch in August 2025, Ms Faithfull delivered opening remarks and engaged with industry stakeholders on key VET priorities. Her appearance helps amplify federal government goals like improving training access, aligning training to industry needs, and promoting awareness of critical skills shortages.
Enhancing DEWR’s Executive Profile and Policy Alignment
Her background in digital transformation, justice sector reform, family violence, and social services gives her a cross-sectoral perspective. As Deputy Secretary Skills & Training, she is aligning VET policies more tightly with workforce outcomes, tech/digital capability, and broader social policy goals. This shows in DEWR’s corporate plan and new policy statements.
Prioritising Sustainable VET Workforce Investments
Under Ms Faithfull’s tenure, the Australian Government has committed up to $100 million over five years under the National Skills Agreement to strengthen the VET workforce. This includes $70 million for state and territory initiatives and $30 million for national-level actions. Key focus areas include capability building, retention, workforce data, and aligning training to emerging industry needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the appointment of a new Deputy Secretary of Skills and Training significant?
DEWR leadership directly shapes Australia’s VET priorities. Anna Faithfull’s appointment signals stronger emphasis on workforce sustainability, inclusion, and industry-aligned training.
How will the VET Workforce Blueprint affect RTOs?
It will support recruitment and retention of trainers, cut administrative burden, and expand professional development to help RTOs sustain high-quality delivery.
What role does DEWR play in First Nations vocational training?
Through new roundtables, DEWR is partnering with First Nations communities to ensure training delivery is culturally inclusive, community-led, and effective for learners.
How will the $100 million VET workforce investment be allocated?
$70 million is directed to state and territory initiatives, while $30 million funds national programs such as workforce capability building and improved data systems.
What does Ms Faithfull’s cross-sector background bring to the role?
Her experience in justice, social services, and digital reform allows her to align skills policy with broader social and workforce goals, giving VET a more integrated national role.
Conclusion
Anna Faithfull’s appointment as Deputy Secretary of Skills and Training marks a pivotal moment for Australia’s VET landscape. With her depth of cross-sector leadership and her early focus on initiatives such as the VET Workforce Blueprint, First Nations engagement, and industry-aligned advocacy, she is already shaping how DEWR responds to national skills priorities.
Her leadership signals continuity in strengthening training quality while also introducing a broader, more inclusive approach to workforce development. As reforms under the 2025 Standards for RTOs take hold, Ms Faithfull’s role will be central to ensuring the sector is prepared to meet emerging skills needs and deliver long-term benefits for learners, employers, and communities across Australia.
