Board members appointed to Heavy Vehicle Regulator

Patrick Conlon has been appointed to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Board, bringing vast transport and infrastructure experience that will support the regulator’s critical work in ensuring a safe, efficient and productive heavy vehicle industry.

Deputy Chairperson Julie Russell and fellow board member Catherine Scott have been re-appointed for a second term.

The NHVR is governed by a skills-based board, which plays a key role under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) to ensure the NHVR functions in an effective and efficient way and is accountable to responsible ministers.

Responsible ministers from Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and the Australian Government have voting authority at the Infrastructure and Transport Minister’s Meeting to make board member recommendations.

Ministers have unanimously agreed on Mr Conlon’s appointment, which fills the vacant position created after the resignation of Ken Lay in June.

Under the HVNL, the Queensland Minister (as host jurisdiction) is responsible for appointing NHVR Board members upon the unanimous recommendation of responsible ministers, including appointment of the chairperson and deputy chairperson.

A staggered approach to board appointments began in October 2018 to ensure continuity of knowledge and a smooth transition for new membership.

Duncan Gay will continue on as NHVR Board Chairperson until October 2024, as will board member Robin Stewart-Crompton.

Board members are appointed for a period of three years.

For more information on the NHVR, including the HVNL, visit www.nhvr.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

 “Mr Conlon has a distinguished career in the South Australian Government, holding a number of ministerial portfolios, including transport and infrastructure.

“During his 10 years as transport minister he was a strong advocate for national consistency in heavy vehicle regulation and worked together with then Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese to advance that agenda.

“Mr Conlon also has extensive experience in board advisory roles and has recently provided strategic advice to a range of clients in the transport, energy, infrastructure and property industries.

“I congratulate Mr Conlon, as well as Ms Russell and Ms Scott for their re-appointments, and look forward to working with them and the NHVR as we continue to drive a safe, efficient and productive heavy vehicle industry. I also thank Mr Lay for his service.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey:

"Julie Russell and Catherine Scott are both highly respected within the heavy vehicle industry, and it is pleasing the National Heavy Vehicle Board will continue to benefit from their wealth of experience.

"Ms Russell's commitment to the heavy vehicle transport industry is evident through her roles as a current board member and past presidency of the Queensland Trucking Association, and as board member and chair of the Skills and Workforce Committee of the Australian Trucking Association.

"She has worked both within her family business and in large multinational corporations across roles in risk and compliance, human resources, industrial relations, technology and strategic planning.

"Ms Scott has held directorships across a portfolio of organisations in transport, water, education and natural resources, and has a strong commitment to road safety, as shown by her appointment in 2020 as a commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

"In her earlier professional career, she held senior executive positions in the investment banking and finance industries, including five years at Australian Airlines as Treasurer Capital Markets, prior to its merger with Qantas Airways.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board for their ongoing service to the Heavy Vehicle industry, and I look forward to working collaboratively in the future."