The Federal Government has appointed Tim Reardon, Clare Gardiner-Barnes and Gillian Miles 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 our 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.
Reardon will start in the role of Chief Commissioner on October 1 after the completion of his current commitments.
Gardiner-Barnes will act as Chief Commissioner until Reardon begins his term.
Reardon’s strong experience in the private sector and as a senior infrastructure public servant, as well as being a qualified engineer, will bring considerable value to Infrastructure Australia as Chief Commissioner. He was previously the Secretary of Transport for NSW as well as Secretary for NSW Premier and Cabinet.
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.
Gardiner-Barnes commenced as a commissioner effective from July 15.
Dr Miles, who held roles as the CEO and Commissioner for the National Transport Commission and Head of Transport for Victoria, will commence on October 8.
They bring a wealth of transport and infrastructure experience, including in regional areas.
Infrastructure Australia importantly provides expert, independent advice to the Australian Government about priority infrastructure investments.
The 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.