The federal government is hunting for a Chief Commissioner and two Commissioners to lead the Commonwealth’s independent infrastructure adviser.

It comes after a 2022 review of Infrastructure Australian and the passage of legislation bolstering the statutory body last December.

The legislation provides for a stronger governance structure at IA, comprising three expert commissioners who will be supported by an expert advisory council.

“The refreshed IA will better support government infrastructure investment objectives, including through improved evaluation of infrastructure proposals and providing a more targeted infrastructure priority list aligned to the government’s infrastructure policy objectives,” infrastructure minister Catherine King said.

The Chief Commissioner will be critical to the success of the reformed organisation, she said.

The successful applicant will be tasked with setting the strategic direction of Infrastructure Australia in line with the government’s expectations, ensuring accountability and good governance, providing oversight of advice to government and working with stakeholders.

The Chief Commissioner will also chair all meetings of commissioners and provide guidance and support to the CEO.

Applicants will be assessed against specific criteria by an Australian Government selection panel, which applications closing at 2359 on Monday 18 March 2024.

The 2022 review said Infrastructure Australia requires a clear mandate and must be empowered to carry out that mandate.

It also noted a key issue was “getting the balance right between the independence of expert investment advice to the Government, and the influence of that advice in government decision making processes, given the range of public bodies now advising the Commonwealth on investments”.

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