NEW appointees to the boards of Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and National Intermodal Corporation, announced by the federal government, have a wealth of rail expertise.

Mr Ingilby Dickson, Ms Janet Finlay, Mr Michael Carter and Ms Jill Rossouw have been appointed for three-year terms, and Dr Marlene Kanga AO for a two-year term, as Non‑Executive Directors of the ARTC Board.

Mr Carter will take on the role of Deputy Chair, Ms Janice van Reyk has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director and Mr Michael Byrne AM has been appointed as Non-Executive Director of the National Intermodal Board, each for a three-year term.

An announcement by infrastructure minister Catherine King said the appointments follow publicly advertised, merit-based recruitment processes.

“The ARTC and the National Intermodal board appointees will bring a wealth of skills and experience,” the statement said.

“Mr Ingilby Dickson is an experienced board director, providing the ARTC Board expertise in freight, supply chain, rail and safety following his roles with Sadleirs Transport Group, Ron Finemore Transport and the Australian Logistics Council.

“Ms Janet Finlay brings her experience as a chartered accountant and an experienced board director to the ARTC Board. She has held roles across multiple sectors as well as government, including as the Deputy Chancellor of Adelaide University, Director of the SA Water Corporation and Deputy Chair of the State Planning Commission of South Australia.

“Mr Michael Carter has a strong construction background and rail experience, principally in rail operations, including at Queensland Rail and Aurizon Holdings Ltd. He also brings a strong understanding of large project management. Mr Carter’s appointment to the ARTC and National Intermodal boards will support continued synergies between these two important companies. 

“Ms Jill Rossouw is an experienced director, having held Non-Executive Director positions with the Port of Brisbane and the Brisbane Airport Corporation. She is the current Chair of the High Speed Rail Authority and brings experience in project finance, infrastructure investments and complex financial structuring to the ARTC Board.

“Dr Marlene Kanga AO will provide the ARTC Board with extensive board director experience covering significant government entities, including as a board member of Endeavour Energy, the Sydney Water Corporation, Innovation Australia and Airservices Australia. In 2023, Dr Kanga’s role as a global leader in STEM was recognised with the official naming of Tunnel Boring Machine “Marlene” on the Australian and NSW Government’s Western Sydney Airport Metro project. 

“Ms Janice van Reyk has significant board experience and understanding of intermodals through her roles at NSW Ports, Port of Melbourne/Ports Victoria and the Australian Naval Infrastructure Pty Ltd, and will be a strong asset to the National Intermodal Board. 

“Mr Michael Byrne AM is an existing director of National Intermodal with experience in the ports, logistics and supply chain sectors, as well as board roles with the CBH Group and Peel Ports UK. He was also former Chief Executive Officer and Director of Linfox Pty Ltd, and Managing Director, Chief Operations Officer and Director of Toll Holdings Ltd.”

Finance minister, Katy Gallagher said it is a crucial time for ARTC and National Intermodal, and having the right leadership teams in place will ensure their continued success long into the future.

“I welcome these appointments and am confident they will be great assets to ARTC and National Intermodal in delivering on the Government’s objectives of transforming Australia’s future supply chains,” Ms Gallagher said.