Infrastructure Australia Chief Executive, Philip Davies, will not renew his contract and will leave the organisation at the end of August 2018.
Infrastructure Australia Chair, Julieanne Alroe, said that under Philip’s stewardship, Infrastructure Australia has become a trusted advisor to governments, industry and business leaders around the country, with a strong policy voice and widely recognised mandate to lead reform.
“I would like to formally thank Philip for his leadership over the last three years and his commitment to delivering better infrastructure outcomes for the Australian community,” Ms Alroe said.
“Philip has made an indelible mark on infrastructure policy as the CEO who delivered the inaugural Australian Infrastructure Audit and Australian Infrastructure Plan. These documents have set the standard for infrastructure planning and analysis. He has also been a leading voice for infrastructure reform who has lifted the standard of debate on this critical subject.”
Ms Alroe said Philip has built an organisation that is deeply respected in the Australian community for providing independent, evidence-based advice on the projects and reforms that are in our national interest.
“We have commenced recruitment for the Chief Executive position, and will provide further information about interim arrangements soon,” Ms Alroe said.
“The future is bright for Infrastructure Australia, with continuing releases of our Reform Series policy work, development of the Urban Reform Agenda, continued development of the Assessment Framework, and our building better business cases program.
“We will also be focusing on the development of the 2019 Australian Infrastructure Audit. The Audit will provide a nationally consistent evidence base across all infrastructure sectors to guide the next phase of Australia’s infrastructure investment and be the key input into the next Australian Infrastructure Plan.”
The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) also acknowledged and thanked Philip Davies for his contribution to delivering better infrastructure and policy outcomes in Australia.
ALC Managing Director, Michael Kilgariff, said for the past three years, Philip Davies’ leadership of Infrastructure Australia has underpinned the organisation’s efforts to ensure the nation has a coherent, nationally-focussed approach to infrastructure investment by prioritising key initiatives.
“These include transformational projects now underway such as Inland Rail, the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal in NSW, the Western Sydney Airport, the Port Botany Rail Duplication and, most importantly, recommending the development of a comprehensive National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, which is currently being undertaken by the Federal Government,” Mr Kilgariff said.
“IA is critical to ensuring infrastructure development in Australia remains subject to rigorous, evidence-based assessments, and that projects ultimately deliver the best economic and social outcomes for the community.
“We thank Philip Davies for his positive engagement with ALC during his time as CEO, and for his efforts to enhance the performance of our freight networks through the provision of better infrastructure.”
Ms Alroe also announced that Peter Colacino has been appointed as Infrastructure Australia’s Executive Director of Policy and Research, and will commence on 2 July 2018.
“As we farewell Philip, and welcome Peter, we remain focused on delivering better infrastructure outcomes for all Australians.”
