National Transport Commission appointments

I am pleased to announce three appointments to the National Transport Commission (NTC).

Ms Loretta Lynch and Mr Michael Byrne join as new Commissioners following agreement from the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers’ Meeting, which brings together ministers from the Australian, state and territory governments.

Ms Lynch has 30 years’ experience in the international and domestic rail, construction, resources and public transport industries. She is an experienced Non-Executive Director, and has professional qualifications including a Masters of Business Administration from Deakin University.

Mr Byrne has extensive experience in the infrastructure, global logistics, and supply chain sectors, as well as government and private sector board memberships. 

Mr Byrne brings a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills and depth of knowledge across the transport industry. He is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has a Master’s of Science, Infrastructure and Transportation.

Both Ms Lynch and Mr Byrne’s appointments are effective from 15 July 2024 until 14 July 2027.

Infrastructure and Transport Ministers also supported extending the appointment of Mr Jon Whelan for a full term until 31 December 2026. 

Mr Whelan is Chief Executive of the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport, and brings significant experience in major transport and infrastructure project delivery, government relations and corporate governance to the role. 

He was selected in accordance with a long-standing convention that one of the Commissioners be a state or territory member of the Infrastructure and Transport Senior Officials’ Committee.

I welcome the new Commissioners and wish them well in their role overseeing the strategic direction and governance of the NTC, and look forward to seeing the NTC continue their important work on the development, implementation and evaluation of national land transport reform.