- Cassandra Winzar appointed deputy chair of Infrastructure WA's board
- Hamish Beck and Jenet Connell appointed to the board
- Appointments support agency's shift to becoming the 2050 Commission
Infrastructure WA's shift to becoming the 2050 Commission has been further assisted with the appointment of Cassandra Winzar as the agency's new deputy chair and Hamish Beck and Jenet Connell as board members.
Dr Cassandra Winzar, chief economist at the Committee of Economic Development Australia, contributes extensive expertise in economic policy, productivity, infrastructure, and long-term strategic planning to Infrastructure WA, with proven experience advising governments and senior decision-makers on complex public policy issues.
Hamish Beck OAM brings extensive expertise in governance, infrastructure, and property, having held leadership roles including chair of the Rottnest Island Authority and former chair of the Swan River Trust, as well as overseeing major redevelopment and asset management projects across Western Australia.
Jenet Connell brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in the Australian Public Service including deputy secretary, deputy commissioner and deputy Australian statistician at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as well as demonstrated expertise in governance, assurance, organisational transformation and delivering major government programs.
The appointments come as the agency begins transitioning to the 2050 Commission, the State's first-ever productivity commission charged with providing strategic advice to government on the productivity, growth, and transformation of the State's economy ahead of and beyond 2050.
The 2050 Commission will carry out Infrastructure WA's key functions, including conducting Major Infrastructure Proposal Assessments, as well as adopting broad inquiry functions.
Legislation to establish the 2050 Commission is to be introduced in the second half of this year with a view to establishing the agency in mid-2027.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"Cassandra Winzar, Hamish Beck and Jenet Connell bring an impressive breadth of experience across infrastructure, policy, strategy, and governance that strengthens Infrastructure WA's ability to provide independent, expert advice to government.
"Infrastructure WA has played a key role advising government on policy for many years.
"Its transformation into the 2050 Commission will ensure it continues to play a critical role advising government on how the State will need to grow and transform in the coming years."
Comments attributed to Infrastructure WA Chair Dr Michael Schaper:
"I congratulate Cassandra Winzar, Jenet Connell and Hamish Beck on their appointments to the Infrastructure WA board.
"Their collective expertise will further strengthen the board's ability to provide strategic oversight and support Infrastructure WA's role in delivering independent advice to government.
"I look forward to working with the board as Infrastructure WA continues to support long-term infrastructure planning for Western Australia and progresses its transition to the 2050 Commission."
