7 December 2018

Foreign Investment Review Board appointment

The Coalition Government is pleased to announce the appointment of former Senator the Hon Nick Minchin to the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).

The FIRB is a non-statutory advisory body established in 1976 to provide advice on the Government’s foreign investment policy and its administration.

As a former Federal Cabinet Minister, Mr Minchin brings wide ranging senior leadership credentials, public policy, industry and international experience to the FIRB.

Most recently, Mr Minchin served as Consul-General in New York, raising awareness of Australia’s strong economy and our regional competitive advantages, and encouraging two-way investment and commercial links between Australia and the United States.

Mr Minchin held a number of ministerial positions, including as Minister for Industry, Science and Resources from 1998 until 2001 and Minister for Finance and Administration from 2001 until 2007. While in office, he held the posts of Leader of the Government in the Senate, and Vice‑President of the Executive Council.

Mr Minchin was elected to the Australian Senate for South Australia in July 1993 and served with distinction until June 2011. Mr Minchin holds degrees in Law and Economics from the Australian National University in Canberra and was a Hawken Scholar in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr Minchin’s skills and experience will complement FIRB’s existing expertise in commercial, government, legal and national security matters, with Mr David Irvine AO as Chair, and members Ms Alice Williams, Mr David Peever AO, the Hon Cheryl Edwardes AM and Ms Teresa Dyson.

Mr Minchin will join the FIRB for a five year period, commencing on 17 December 2018.

The Government wishes to thank outgoing member Mr Patrick Secker, who has served with distinction as a member of the FIRB since 17 December 2013.