THE AUSTRALIAN government has finalised an interim board for Infrastructure Australia.
The government launched a review of the independent infrastructure advisor in July this year.
At that time, federal minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government Catherine King said the organisation had “been allowed to drift with partisan board appointments and a lack of clear direction”.
When the review concluded earlier this month, the government accepted recommendations to move to a new governance structure.
Under the new model, the board would be replaced by three commissioners supported by an advisory board with experts from infrastructure and related sectors and senior public service officials.
“This is part of a number of wider changes to restore Infrastructure Australia to its rightful place as an expert advisory body of national significance,” Ms King said in a statement on Sunday.
“The interim board will be in place until the decisions taken following the review can be implemented in legislation.”
Ms King said Gabrielle Trainor AO will be appointed as acting chair of Infrastructure Australia, and Clare Gardiner-Barnes will be appointed as an acting board member.
Ms Trainor has extensive board experience in the public and private sectors. She served on the IA board from 2014-2021 and is currently chair of the Construction Industry Culture Taskforce.
“Ms Clare Gardiner-Barnes has experience in state government infrastructure departments and is currently the Director of her own firm,” Ms King said.
“She is highly regarded in the infrastructure sector and brings a wealth of experience in infrastructure planning.”
Existing board members Mark Balnaves, John Fitzgerald and Marion Fulker, who are state and territory nominated appointments, will also be reappointed as acting board members.
“These appointments are for a period of up to 12 months, or less if there is an earlier transition to the new governance arrangements,” Ms King said.
“I would like to thank them all for agreeing to serve in this capacity and I look forward to working with the interim board as Infrastructure Australia is strengthened and reinvigorated.”
