Duncan Gay to chair NHVR

Two new Board members for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) have been announced this week.

Current NHVR Board Chair Bruce Baird AM and Board member Vincent Tremaine will retire in October, opening the way for the two new appointments.

Duncan Gay and Ken Lay will replace Mr Baird and Mr Tremaine when their contracts expire next month.

Mr Gay was the New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight from April 2015 to January 2017 and in the State’s Legislative Council from 1988 until last year when he retired.

“As a young grazier from Crookwell, I would have never dreamed of being one of the state’s longest serving Ministers for Roads. I could not be prouder of what I have achieved in my portfolio over six years,” he said when stepping down.

Announcing the appointments Federal Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said: “All State and Territory Ministers have unanimously agreed Mr Gay is ideally suited to provide leadership as Chair of the NHVR Board, over the next three years.

“Mr Gay is well respected in the heavy vehicle industry and across Governments particularly in NSW, where he successfully served in roads and transport portfolios during his three-decades-long career.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey welcomed the appointment of Mr Lay to the NHVR Board, highlighting the skill and experience of the current Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria and former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner.

“Mr Lay served in Victoria Police for almost 40 years and is currently serving on several boards including as Chair of the Council of Australian Government’s Advisory Council on Family Violence,” Mr Bailey said.

Mr McCormack also spoke highly of the outgoing members: “I would like to thank Bruce Baird, for his service over six years, which included establishing the NHVR and setting its strategic direction.

“Mr Baird has overseen a great deal of positive change for the heavy vehicle industry and after overcoming many early challenges.

“I’d also thank Vincent Tremaine for his counsel and advice during his six-year term on the NHVR Board, providing continuity and stability to the Board and the NHVR,” he concluded.

Peter Garske will continue on as Deputy Chair of the NHVR Board, as will board members, Coral Taylor and Robin Stewart-Crompton.