MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 26 February 2008 AA014/2008

SIR ROD EDDINGTON APPOINTED TO HEAD INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA Today I announce the appointment of Sir Rod Eddington as the inaugural chair of Infrastructure Australia. He has agreed to lead this new national body as it begins work on developing long term solutions for infrastructure bottlenecks and decades of underinvestment in the nation's transport, water, energy and communication assets. I am very pleased to have someone of Sir Rod Eddington's calibre as chair of Infrastructure Australia. He will bring strong leadership and formidable experience to the role, with a career in domestic and international transport and aviation stretching almost three decades. As a West Australian with connections across the country, and indeed across the globe, he personifies the importance Infrastructure Australia will play in the Rudd Labor Government's fresh approach to national economic management. During his five years as CEO of British Airways, Sir Rod Eddington led a turnaround in the airline's fortunes during tumultuous times for the industry. In 2005 he was awarded a knighthood for services to civil aviation. Also in 2005, he was jointly commissioned by the British Government to examine the long-term links between transport and economic growth within the context of the Government's broader commitment to sustainable development. The seminal report - The Eddington Transport Study - was published in December 2006. More recently, the Victorian Government has engaged Sir Rod Eddington to develop options for Melbourne's east-west transport link - a project he will complete before taking up the chair of Infrastructure Australia. His experience, capacity to cut through and identify the critical issues, and proven ability to finding innovative solutions will assist the Government in its efforts to bring national leadership to infrastructure development. As chair of a 12 member advisory council, Sir Rod Eddington will be responsible for ensuring Infrastructure Australia: Completes an audit of nationally significant infrastructure by the end of the year; Develops an Infrastructure Priority List to guide billions of dollars of public and private investment; and Advises on the removal of disincentives to greater investment in public infrastructure. Media Contacts Jeff Singleton ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0410 476 890   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2008/February/AA014_2008.htm