The federal government is pleased with the two new ARTC appointments as the Inland Rail review is set to be released soon
The federal government has confirmed that the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has made two key appointments to its executive staff.
The ARTC has welcomed onboard Peter Duncan as the new chair of the corporation while Collette Burke will be a non-executive director of the board, with both appointments joining on three-year terms.
The ARTC plays an important role in managing interstate freight rail while also working to deliver the Inland Rail, with enhancements such as the Port Botany Duplication and other significant government-funded infrastructure projects part of the ARTC’s portfolio.
Duncan replaces Warren Truss, who stepped down as the ARTC board chair on November 30, 2022. Duncan has more than 40 years’ experience in government and infrastructure, working at local, state and national levels.
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. 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 also a former Chair of InfraSol Group, the Australian Road Research Board and Austroads.
The federal government says Burke is a highly qualified and experienced engineer with more than 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.
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The appointments follow the recent independent review of the Inland Rail project conducted by Dr Kerry Schott.
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 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 federal government says the appointments of Duncan and Dr Burke are an important step in addressing the current capability gaps of the board.
“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,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.
“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.”