Mr Shankey was appointed as Deputy Director-General of the Energy division in August 2021. He led the division as it delivered Queensland’s 15-year Energy and Jobs Plan, the most significant and challenging energy reform agenda in the state’s history.
The plan provides the strategy for Queensland to move from coal fired to renewable generation within 10 years while reducing carbon emissions from the electricity sector by 90% by 2035. It also sets out the initiatives needed to manage the social impacts of the changes associated with the transition.
Queensland is the first state to articulate an infrastructure pathway out of coal and positions the state as a global leader in this field. Mr Shankey led the negotiations with Queensland energy trade unions and the development of the Queensland Energy Workers Charter.
He has led the implementation of the plan including the setting up of Queensland Hydro and a $19 billion investment program through government-owned corporations.
Prior to his current role, Mr Shankey was Executive Director in the Energy division for 4 years in multiple roles including Strategic Policy and Renewables. Before working for the Queensland Government, he worked in both the resources sector and in the media.