The Australian Government has appointed David Shankey as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Net Zero Economy Authority.
David brings significant senior leadership experience in energy and climate policy, and a track record of delivering future-focused reforms, with local communities front and centre. As Deputy Director-General at Queensland’s Department of Energy and Public Works, Mr Shankey led the development of the state’s 10-year Energy and Jobs Plan.
“The Net Zero Economy Authority is key to unlocking our potential as a renewable energy superpower, ensuring that workers and regions realise the benefits of this transformation. I congratulate David Shankey on his appointment and look forward to working with him in this vital role,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The Authority is pivotal to Australia’s decarbonisation journey, ensuring communities, state, territory and local governments, regional bodies, unions, industry, investors and First Nations groups share in the benefits of the global shift to net zero.
“The establishment of the Net Zero Economy Authority and the Future Made in Australia plan provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen our regional centres. The work of the Net Zero Economy Authority is enabling the investment in the people and the places now, in order to build a Future Made in Australia," said Assistant Minister for a Future Made in Australia Tim Ayres.
The Authority is central to the Government’s vision for a Future Made In Australia ensuring the regions that power the nation today remain key drivers of its prosperity tomorrow.
“David Shankey has the right experience and approach to make sure the Net Zero Economy Authority delivers on the potential available as our regions transform to take advantage of the global push to decarbonise,” added Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.
