New appointments to ARTC board

The Australian government has confirmed the appointments of Peter Duncan AM as the new chair of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and Dr Collette Burke as a non-executive director of the board. Both appointments are three-year terms.

ARTC, which has an office in Narrabri, plays a vital role in managing the nation’s interstate freight rail network. ARTC is also delivering Inland Rail, enhancements such as the Port Botany duplication and several other significant government-funded infrastructure projects that will build the resilience and capability of Australian rail transport. Mr Duncan replaces Warren Truss AC, who stepped down as chair of the ARTC board on November 30. Mr Duncan has more than 40 years’ experience in government and infrastructure, working at local, state and national levels and is considered a trusted leader who will bring a wealth of experience to the role.

He is the current chair of WaterNSW, deputy chair and commissioner of the NSW Independent Planning Commission and a board member of the Office of Projects Victoria. Mr Duncan is a former chief executive of NSW Roads and Maritime Services, director-general of the NSW Department of  Services Technology and Administration, and managing director of Forests NSW. He is a former chair of InfraSol Group, the Australian Road Research Board and Austroads.

Dr Burke is a highly qualified and experienced engineer with more than 25 years’ experience in the infrastructure construction sector. She was the inaugural Victorian chief engineer and has a strong understanding of the rail industry. She also previously held various senior roles with Leighton Contractors and management positions with Thiess John Holland. Dr Burke is a non-executive director of Marinus Link Pty Ltd and VicTrack.

The appointments follow the recent independent review of the Inland Rail project conducted by Dr Kerry Schott AO. Dr Schott’s report has been provided to the government. It reveals significant concerns about the governance and delivery of Inland Rail. The government intends to release Dr Schott’s report and the government’s response to its recommendations as soon as it has been fully considered.