The Australian Government is pleased to confirm the appointments of Mr Peter Duncan AM as the new Chair of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and Dr Collette Burke as a Non-Executive Director of the Board. Both appointments are three-year terms.
ARTC plays a vital role in managing the nation's interstate freight rail network. ARTC is also delivering Inland Rail, enhancements such as the Port Botany Duplication and several other significant Government-funded infrastructure projects that will build the resilience and capability of Australian rail transport.
Mr Duncan replaces the Hon Warren Truss AC, who stepped down as Chair of the ARTC Board on 30 November 2022. Mr Duncan has more than 40 years' experience in government and infrastructure, working at local, state and national levels. He is a trusted leader who will bring a wealth of experience to this role.
He is the current Chair of WaterNSW, Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the NSW Independent Planning Commission and a Board Member of the Office of Projects Victoria. Mr Duncan is a former Chief Executive of NSW Roads and Maritime Services, Director-General of the NSW Department of Services Technology and Administration, and Managing Director of Forests NSW. He is a former Chair of InfraSol Group, the Australian Road Research Board and Austroads.
Dr Burke is a highly qualified and experienced engineer with over 25 years' experience in the infrastructure construction sector. She was the inaugural Victorian Chief Engineer and has a strong understanding of the rail industry. She also previously held various senior roles with Leighton Contractors and management positions with Thiess John Holland. Dr Burke is a Non-Executive Director of Marinus Link Pty Ltd and VicTrack.
The appointments follow the recent independent review of the Inland Rail project conducted by Dr Kerry Schott AO. Dr Schott's report has been provided to the Government. It reveals significant concerns about the governance and delivery of Inland Rail. The Government intends to release Dr Schott's report and the Government's response to its recommendations as soon as it has been fully considered.
The Government recognises the importance of the ARTC Board having strong leadership and the experience and capability to effectively and responsibly manage the company's operations, including the Interstate Network and government-funded infrastructure projects. The appointments of Mr Duncan and Dr Burke are an important step in addressing the current capability gaps of the Board.
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Mr Duncan brings critical experience in governance and risk management, infrastructure and transport to the ARTC Board. His experience will be invaluable in guiding ARTC through the coming years."
"Dr Burke's extensive experience in engineering and infrastructure will strengthen the Board's ability to oversee ARTC's operations, including its network maintenance regime, efforts to improve network resilience and in construction of new sections of the Interstate Network, including Inland Rail."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance, Senator Katy Gallagher:
"I welcome the appointment of Mr Duncan as the new Chair of the ARTC Board. His extensive experience in corporate governance and infrastructure development will help guide the future development of Australia's interstate freight rail network and the delivery of Inland Rail."
"With deep expertise in engineering and a detailed understanding of the rail industry, Dr Burke's appointment to the ARTC Board will be vital in supporting the Board's oversight of the Inland Rail program and the delivery of other Government-funded rail infrastructure projects."
