The federal government has announced the Board of the National Reconstruction Fund.
The government’s $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund is the biggest investment in Australian manufacturing capacity in living memory.
An investment in Australian workers using Australian know-how and Australian resources to make things in Australia.
A base to keep the nation’s best ideas and jobs onshore and a beacon to bring the country’s brightest people home.
With expertise drawn from across different corners of the country, the Board will ensure the NRF is a truly national fund with a national focus. The independent Board will make independent investment decisions. It will provide the high-calibre stewardship an investment of this size and importance demands.
The Board’s specialist knowledge spans the NRF’s seven priority investment areas: Renewables and low emissions technologies; Medical science; Transport; Value-add in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors; Value-add in resources; Defence capability; and Enabling capabilities.
Members appointed to the Board:
Martijn Wilder AM (Chair) has over 20 years’ experience as a leader in sustainable finance and climate change policy. He is the Founder and CEO of Pollination and has previously held numerous high-profile positions including Chairman of the Board of Australian Renewable Energy Agency, Founding Director of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Director of the Climate Council, Chair and Governing Board Member of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership and Chairman of Low Carbon Australia Ltd.
Ahmed Fahour AO is currently Chairman of Invest Victoria. Throughout his 30-year career, he has served in senior executive and board roles across banking and financial services, management consulting and postal services, including as Managing Director & CEO of Australia Post, Latitude Financial, NAB Australia and Citigroup Alternative Investments. He has also supported and served on the board of not for profit and community organisations.
Dr Katharine Giles is the current CEO and Managing Director of OncoRes Medical, a ground-breaking growth stage medical device development and manufacturing company located in Western Australia. She is also a Venture Partner at Brandon Capital Partners, a Non-Executive Director of Sonic Healthcare and a member of the Curtin University Commercialisation Advisory Board.
The Hon Kelly O’Dwyer is currently a Non-Executive Director of Barrenjoey, Equity Trustees, and HMC Capital. She previously served as a member of the Australian Parliament for over nine years. She held a number of senior economic portfolios including Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations and Minister for Revenue and Financial Services.
Daniel Petre AO is a technology industry executive, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist with a broad range of non-executive director experience. Mr Petre is a Co-Founder and Partner Emeritus of AirTree, the Chair of Vera Living, and a Director of MetaOptima Technology Inc. He is also an Adjunct Professor at UNSW and a member of the UNSW Centre for Social Impact’s Advisory Council.
Kathryn Presser AM brings significant risk and governance expertise to the NRF Board, as well as finance and industry expertise. She is currently the Chair of the South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance’s Risk and Performance Committee. Ms Presser also holds several current Non-Executive Director positions, including for the Australian Energy Market Operator, the Police Credit Union SA & NT, and Funds SA.
Karen Smith-Pomeroy is currently the Chair of the Regional Investment Corporation and the National Affordable Housing Consortium. Ms Smith-Pomeroy is also a Non-Executive Director of Kina Securities Ltd, Stanwell Corporation Ltd, and Queensland Treasury Corporation Capital Markets Board.
Daniel Walton is a respected director and former senior union official with extensive professional expertise across workplace relations, manufacturing and the minerals and energy sectors. He’s a Director of AustralianSuper, has been Co-Chair of the NSW Renewable Energy Sector Board, a member of the Commonwealth Agricultural Working Group and NSW State Government Minerals Industry Advisory Council. Mr Walton’s position as Secretary of the Australian Workers Union (AWU) ended in July.
“These appointments are an important step in implementing the Albanese Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda. The Board members announced today will be key to ensuring that we, as a nation, grasp the opportunities before us to diversify and transform the Australian economy,” said Finance Minister Senator Katy Gallagher.
“With these appointments, the ball is now rolling for the NRF. The Board’s collective experience brings to bear the independence and industry experience that taxpayers, project proponents and co-investors expect of this critical national project. This is a Board of diverse perspectives, united in the NRF’s purpose to invest in world-class Australian know-how to rebuild our industrial capabilities,” said Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic.
“I’m honoured to be asked to chair the NRF Board and begin the critical work of rebuilding our industrial capabilities and driving innovation. “This is anexperienced and capable Board with the range of experience necessary to manage risk and drive decision making across the fund’s priority areas,” said NRF Chair Martijn Wilder.
