Government names commissioners to lead Infrastructure Australia

The Albanese Government has appointed Mr Tim Reardon, Ms Clare Gardiner-Barnes and Dr Gillian Miles as the Commissioners of Infrastructure Australia for five-year terms. 

These are the first substantive appointments to the positions, which were created as part of our reforms to restore Infrastructure Australia to its role as the Commonwealth’s pre-eminent advisor on nationally significant infrastructure under amendments to the Infrastructure Australia Act 2008. 

The appointments follow a merit based recruitment process undertaken by the government to fill all three commissioner roles as outlined in the legislation. 

Mr Reardon will start in the role of Chief Commissioner on 1 October 2024 after the completion of his current commitments.

Ms Gardiner-Barnes will act as Chief Commissioner until Mr Reardon begins his term.  

Mr Reardon’s strong experience in the private sector and as a senior infrastructure public servant will bring considerable value to Infrastructure Australia as Chief Commissioner.

Mr Reardon was previously the Secretary of Transport for NSW as well as Secretary for NSW Premier and Cabinet. 

Ms Gardiner-Barnes was a previous board member of Infrastructure Australia, undertook the review of the Infrastructure Investment Program, and has held roles at Infrastructure NSW and Transport for NSW.

Ms Gardiner-Barnes commenced as a commissioner effective from 15 July 2024. 

Dr Miles, who held roles as the CEO and Commissioner for the National Transport Commission and Head of Transport for Victoria, will commence on 8 October 2024. 

They bring a wealth of transport and infrastructure experience, including in regional areas. 

The appointments of Mr Reardon, Ms Gardiner-Barnes and Dr Miles will significantly strengthen Infrastructure Australia’s capability in transport, engineering, regional experience, strategic oversight, leadership and complex projects. 

I would like to thank Ms Gabrielle Trainor AO, for her contribution while acting to support the transition to the new governance arrangements – and as Acting Chair of the Infrastructure Australia Board before that. 

I would also like to thank her for the leadership she has provided on the Culture Standard being developed by the Construction Industry Culture Taskforce.

Ms Trainor’s work to help address these long-standing culture challenges in the construction sector will make a long-lasting contribution to the industry. 

Appointing commissioners with infrastructure expertise is part of the government’s broader reforms to restore the significance of Infrastructure Australia’s role. 

Infrastructure Australia importantly provides expert, independent advice to the Australian Government about priority infrastructure investments.

We continue to deliver on the findings of an independent review undertaken in 2022 that Infrastructure Australia should have a clearer purpose with a legislated mandate, that its role as a national adviser be enhanced and that its governance structure be reformed.

The government will separately establish a new Advisory Council to assist the commissioners.