In other appointments:

• Resignation at NDIA
• Senior public servant appointed NSW Agriculture Commissioner
• New clinical adviser for Digital Health Agency

V/Line CEO suspended during corruption probe

The boss of the government-owned corporation that operates regional passenger train and coach services in Victoria has been suspended as the state’s corruption watchdog conducts an investigation.

Roads and public transport minister Ben Carroll said he had been advised of the inquiry into V/Line CEO James Pinder and “on the basis of that advice, I directed the V/Line Board to immediately suspend Mr Pinder, while IBAC carries out its investigation”.

Head of Transport Services at the Department of Transport Nick Foa will act in Mr Pinder’s place until a long term replacement is found.

New head of government business at Isentia

Kylie Dunstan has been appointed Head of Government Business at media intelligence company Isentia.

Ms Dunstan has more than 20 years of corporate communications and leadership experience with government organisations and is member of the Australian Rural Leadership program.

In her new role she’ll be responsible for strengthening Isentia’s relationship with Canberra clients, including the Australian Government portfolio.

“Kylie is a communications veteran and a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of the Government sector,” chief commercial officer Russ Horell said.

“She joins the team at a time when media intelligence is particularly important – especially to Australian Government organisations. I look forward to seeing her take our service level and performance in Canberra to new heights.”

Ms Dunstan said COVID-19 had highlighted the importance of informed and proactive communications, and access to timely media intelligence, reporting and insights has never been more important.

Resignation at NDIA

A leading advocate of the NDIS has resigned from the board of the National Disability Insurance Agency.

John Walsh will stand down at the end of August, NDIS minister Stuart Robert announced.

Mr Walsh has served on the Board since the establishment of the NDIS in 2013 and was the Principal Member of the Independent Advisory Council from April 2019 to June 2020.

He was also a major contributor to the original guiding principles of the National Disability Insurance Scheme as Associate Commissioner to the Productivity Commission in its inquiry into long-term care and support for people with disability in 2011.

Minister Robert said Mr Walsh’s experience and knowledge will be sorely missed.

The NDIA board will begin searching for a successor to the board shortly.

New Chair for Vic State Sport Centres Trust

Finance expert Chris Jackson has been announced as chair of Victoria’s State Sports Centres Trust.

Mr Jackson, who replaces Brett Moore as Trust chair from September 1, is the founder of tax consulting firm Accurate Financial Consultants and has wide experience across the finance sector.

He has also previously served as chair of the Private Banking Service, a franchise of Bendigo and Adelaide bank.

The Trust is responsible for governing the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), the State Netball Hockey Centre and Lakeside Stadium.

In his role Mr Jackson will oversee the continuing $64.6 million redevelopment of the Netball Hockey Centre in Parkville.

Former Victorian senator Michael Ronaldson has also been appointed to the Trust.

Senior public servant named NSW Agriculture Commissioner

Senior public servant Daryl Quinlivan has been named as the first NSW Agriculture Commissioner, tasked with championing farmers’ rights.

Mr Quinlivan has served as secretary of the federal Agriculture Department and head of office at the Productivity Commission.

Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said the announcement is an important step in delivering protections and policies for farmers.

As Commissioner Mr Quinlivan will review the NSW Government’s Right to Farm Policy, with a particular focus on resolving land use conflict and identifying growth opportunities for industry. 

“This Government has already introduced the toughest penalties in the nation for farm trespass and now we’re focused on removing other impediments constraining primary production in NSW,” Mr Marshall said.

 Mr Quinlivan said he was honoured to be appointed to the role and pledged to advocate strongly on behalf of the state’s farmers.

New Crime Commissioner for NSW

Michael Barnes has been appointed as the new Commissioner of the NSW Crime Commission.

The appointment follows a long career in the integrity sector, academia and the judiciary for over 25 years, including as a Magistrate for over a decade, a State Coroner and most recently as NSW Ombudsman.

He also presided over some of the country’s most well known inquests as State Coroner in NSW and Queensland, including the death of Daniel Morcombe, the Sydney Lindt Café siege deaths and the MH-17 aircraft crash.

Police minister David Elliott said Mr Barnes would bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and inquisitive expertise to the role.

He replaces Acting Commissioner Peter Cotter, starting August 24.

Independent adviser announced for Digital health agency

Dr Steve Hambleton will provide independent clinical advice to the executive team at the Digital Health Agency, following the departure of chief medical advisor Meredith Makeham.

Dr Hambleton is a frontline GP who has worked with governments, the AMA and health professional organisations.

“Dr Hambleton’s contribution to the Agency in the past has been invaluable in providing clinical expertise and a link to the medical profession. In becoming an advisor to the Agency executive team more formally, we are ensuring a strong clinical voice,” interim CEO Bettina McMahon said. 

Dr Hambleton will remain in the job until January 2012.