The Federal Government has appointed three commissioners to Infrastructure Australia.
Mr Tim Reardon, Ms Clare Gardiner-Barnes and Dr Gillian Miles will serve as the commissioners of Infrastructure Australia for five-year terms.
These are the first substantive appointments to the positions, which were created as part of reforms to restore Infrastructure Australia to its role as the Commonwealth’s pre-eminent advisor on nationally significant infrastructure under amendments to the Infrastructure Australia Act 2008.
The appointments follow a merit-based recruitment process undertaken by the government to fill all three commissioner roles as outlined in the legislation.
Mr Reardon will start in the role of Chief Commissioner on 1 October 2024 after the completion of his current commitments.
Ms Gardiner-Barnes will act as Chief Commissioner until Mr Reardon begins his term.
Mr Reardon has strong experience in the private sector and as a senior infrastructure public servant, as well as being a qualified engineer.
Mr Reardon was previously the Secretary of Transport for NSW as well as Secretary for New South Wales Premier and Cabinet.
Ms Gardiner-Barnes was a previous board member of Infrastructure Australia, undertook the review of the Infrastructure Investment Program, and has held roles at Infrastructure NSW and Transport for NSW.
Ms Gardiner-Barnes commenced as a commissioner effective from 15 July 2024.
Dr Miles, who held roles as the CEO and Commissioner for the National Transport Commission and Head of Transport for Victoria, will commence on 8 October 2024.
They bring a wealth of transport and infrastructure experience, including in regional areas.
The appointments of Mr Reardon, Ms Gardiner-Barnes and Dr Miles is intended to strengthen Infrastructure Australia’s capability in transport, engineering, regional experience, strategic oversight, leadership and complex projects.
Appointing commissioners with infrastructure expertise is part of the government’s broader reforms to restore the significance of Infrastructure Australia’s role.
Infrastructure Australia importantly provides expert, independent advice to the Federal Government about priority infrastructure investments.
The Federal Government continues to deliver on the findings of an independent review undertaken in 2022 that Infrastructure Australia should have a clearer purpose with a legislated mandate, that its role as a national adviser be enhanced and that its governance structure be reformed.
The government will separately establish a new Advisory Council to assist the commissioners.
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