In other news:

• Peter Collins appointed president of Powerhouse Museum Trust
• New appointment to NDIS advisory council
• Nominations open for LGA CEO Advisory Group

Dr Cathy Foley has been appointed Australia’s next Chief Scientist.

Dr Foley, who has spent 36 yeas with the CSIRO including the last two years as the agency’s Chief Scientist, takes over from Dr Alan Finkel whose tenure ends in December.

She is the second woman to be named for the role.

 Dr Foley declined to be drawn specifically on her position on climate change or the role of gas a potential solution during a media conference on Monday.

“Everyone agrees that climate change is something that has to be dealt with and it’s something which is not just a single solution,” she told reporters.

She said Dr Finkel had identified a transition to gas as a solution for the future and said it would be her role “to see how to build on that”.

 Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Dr Foley had the background needed to deliver during a pivotal time in history.

“As we recover from COVID-19 and look to rebuild a brighter future, the role of the Chief Scientist has never been more important,” he said.

 Science minister Karen Andrews said Dr Foley was a strong advocate for women in science who brought a unique mix of experience to the role.

She will hold the position for for three years, starting in January 2021.

Peter Collins appointed president of Powerhouse Museum Trust

Former NSW Liberal leader and the state’s longest serving arts minister, Peter Collins, has been appointed president of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Trust.

His appointment was announced by arts minister Don Harwin along with that of fellow trustees, Walker Foundation founder and CEO Lang Walker and KPMG partner Mark Hassell.

Mr Collins and Mr Walker will commence their terms from 11 December 2020, and Mark Hassell’s appointment is effective immediately.

Mr Harwin said the appointment came at an exciting period of transformation for the Powerhouse Museum which would deliver a more diverse and accessible arts and cultural environment for generations.

It also comes during a controversial move to relocate the museum to a new home in Parramatta.

 Mr Collins, who takes over from Professor Barney Glover, will serve until the end of 2023.

New appointment to NDIS Independent Advisory Council

NDIS minister Stuart Robert has announced the appointment of Dr Leighton Jay to the Independent Advisory Council to the NDIS.

Dr Jay, the parent of an NDIS participant with complex needs, has wide experience in the disability sector.

He is a member of the Council’s formal Reference Groups, a qualified company director, and a University Associate with Curtin University’s School of Occupational Therapy & Social Work and has worked with service providers and government agencies in Australia and Canada.

Mr Robert said the council played an important role in providing advice to the NDIA Board on issues affecting NDIS participants, carers and families, and Dr Jay would complement an already strong group of members.

LGA SA seeks CEOs for Advisory Group

Expressions of Interest are being sought from CEOs for the 2020-2022 Local Government Association of South Australia CEO Advisory Group.

The LGA Board of Directors is required to establish a CEO Advisory Group to provide advice to the LGA on the design and delivery of policy and services to members.  

The inaugural CEO Advisory Group was established in November 2018 and has become a highly valued part of the decision making framework, LGA says.

With the term for the inaugural CEO Advisory Group coming to an end, expressions of interest are now being sought from CEOs for the 2020-22 term.  Current CEO Advisory Group Members are eligible for reappointment.

Nominations must be made by close of business on December 4.

Maritime and transport expert joins Sparke Helmore

Maritime and transport law expert Michelle Taylor has joined Sparke Helmore Lawyers to work across the company’s  government and commercial insurance teams.

Ms Taylor is internationally recognised for her shipping experience, particularly in relation to to casualty and pollution, and has more than ten years experience with the commonwealth government, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the Department of Defence.

She has significant expertise in admiralty practice as well as maritime related disputes in the Asia Pacific region.

Ms Taylor has defended numerous prosecutions under chain of responsibility legislation, including the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

She is the Vice President of the Maritime Law Association of Australia & New Zealand and is on the Executive of Australian Maritime and Transport Arbitration Commission (AMTAC).