New Chair appointments have been announced at two Queensland Government Owned Corporations, Stanwell and Ports North.
The new appointments are:
- Stanwell: Justin Parer (Chair)
- Ports North: Ben Kidston (Director, Chair from 1 January 2026)
Parer and Kidston will not continue in their director roles on the Ports North Board and the Port of Townsville Board, respectively.
Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates, welcomed the new appointees, and thanked outgoing chairs for their service.
“With these new appointments, the Queensland Government is delivering new leadership for all 11 of Queensland’s energy, ports, water and finance GOCs,” Bates said.
“Alongside other directors, Mr Parer and Mr Kidston will lead Stanwell and Ports North in refocusing on financial and operational performance, so they can deliver for Queenslanders.
“Our government-owned generators and ports provide essential services – delivering affordable, reliable and sustainable energy and critical infrastructure to support economic growth and trade.
“Mr Kidston will take on the role of Ports North Chair from 1 January 2026, following the expiry of the term of the current Chair, Mr Russell Beer. I sincerely thank Mr Beer for his service.”
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy, David Janetzki, welcomed Parer’s appointment.
“Mr Parer has outstanding commercial and business experience which will provide fresh leadership to the Stanwell Board,” Janetzki said.
“I sincerely thank outgoing Chair Paul Binstead for his exceptional service to Stanwell over the past five years.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, also welcomed the appointment of Kidston to the Board of Ports North.
“Mr Kidston brings deep legal expertise in commercial and corporate law and will provide leadership to ensure Ports North continues to deliver on the Government’s objectives.”
