MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 19 May 2008 AA043/2008

MEMBERSHIP OF INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA Today I'm announcing the eleven members of Infrastructure Australia - the new national body tasked with developing a blueprint for fixing and modernising the nation's transport, water, energy and communications infrastructure. I am very pleased the following group of highly distinguished Australians have agreed to serve as inaugural members of Infrastructure Australia: Sir Rod Eddington - Chair Mr Terry Moran AO Dr Ken Henry AC Mr Jim Hallion Mr Anthony Kannis Dr Kerry Schott Professor Peter Newman The Hon Mark Birrell Mr Phil Hennessy Ms Heather Ridout Mr Ross Rolfe Mr Garry Weaven Under the leadership of Sir Rod Eddington, this group has the capacity to cut through and identify the critical issues as well as the proven abilities to find innovative solutions to the infrastructure challenges Australia faces. The intellectual calibre and diverse experiences of these individuals underlines the important role Infrastructure Australia will play in our fresh approach to national economic management. The Rudd Labor Government is serious about bringing national leadership and new thinking to the planning, financing and building of economic infrastructure. The twelve member advisory council's immediate responsibilities are: Completing an audit of nationally significant infrastructure by the end of 2008; Developing an Infrastructure Priority List to guide billions of dollars of public and private investment; and Advising on the removal of disincentives to greater private investment in public infrastructure, including the complexity and cost of public-private partnerships. Ultimately, the work and advice of Infrastructure Australia will inform the Government's allocations from the soon-to-be-established $20 billion Building Australia Fund. Today's announcement underscores just how serious we are about bringing in expertise from outside of government who want to contribute their energies to making our nation what it can be. Media Contacts Jeff Singleton ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0410 476 890 Attachment Infrastructure Australia: Advisory council membership biographies See also Infrastructure Australia   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2008/May/AA043_2008.htm