Published Friday, 27 April, 2007 at 08:58 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
PREMIER THANKS ROSS ROLFE FOR SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO QLD
Premier Peter Beattie says the Queensland Government owes a debt of gratitude to Ross Rolfe, the Director-General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, who announced today he had accepted a position with global investment and advisory firm Babcock & Brown in Sydney.
“I asked Ross to give up his job as CEO of the Stanwell Corporation for just a year in July 2005, to become the Government’s Coordinator-General,” Mr Beattie said.
“I then asked him to take on the additional role of my director-general and to perform miracles for me on a regular basis.
“Ross’ expertise has been invaluable to the Government’s work in keeping the Smart State the economic engine room of Australia and in creating new jobs and opportunities for Queenslanders.
“By the time Ross finishes on 6 July he will have been working 80 to 100 hours a week for Queenslanders for two years, in what he expected to be a 12-month secondment.
“He’s done twice the job I originally asked of him and I’m sure there are many community and business leaders who join me in thanking Ross for his commitment and enormous contribution to our achievements,” he said.
Mr Beattie said some key challenges Mr Rolfe had taken a lead role included:
• Accelerating the provision of infrastructure and co-ordinating its implementation on a whole-of-government basis, focusing on taking major projects from conception to completion;
• Accelerating infrastructure for the coal industry;
• Developing and implementing the South-East Queensland Water Grid;
• Overseeing the implementation of the Health Action Plan;
• Coordinating the response to Cyclone Larry within the Queensland Government;
• Formulating new initiatives to attract skilled workers to fill areas of skill shortage;
• Overseeing the implementation of the $80 billion South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and facilitating the development of many major projects;
• Spearheading initiatives to streamline approvals processes on critical infrastructure by amending the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act; and
• Working closely with the State Government to set the policy agenda for the next five years, particularly through the new, high-powered Future Strategies Division created to drive innovative responses to climate change, develop clean coal technology, develop an effective emission trading scheme and deal with other major challenges.
Mr Rolfe, 51, said: “I have been approached to take on a national and international role in infrastructure development with Babcock and Brown.
“I want to thank the Premier for the privilege of working with him and his team of Ministers and my wonderful colleagues in the Queensland public sector.
“I also thank him for the opportunity of working with him to shape the future of this great State and to advance Smart State strategies that are changing Queensland for the better.”
Mr Rolfe will resign from the position as of 6 July, and take leave from close of business on 29 June.
The position of Director-General, Department of Premier and Cabinet will be advertised nationally.
ENDS
Friday, 27 April 2007
Media contact: 3224 4500
“I asked Ross to give up his job as CEO of the Stanwell Corporation for just a year in July 2005, to become the Government’s Coordinator-General,” Mr Beattie said.
“I then asked him to take on the additional role of my director-general and to perform miracles for me on a regular basis.
“Ross’ expertise has been invaluable to the Government’s work in keeping the Smart State the economic engine room of Australia and in creating new jobs and opportunities for Queenslanders.
“By the time Ross finishes on 6 July he will have been working 80 to 100 hours a week for Queenslanders for two years, in what he expected to be a 12-month secondment.
“He’s done twice the job I originally asked of him and I’m sure there are many community and business leaders who join me in thanking Ross for his commitment and enormous contribution to our achievements,” he said.
Mr Beattie said some key challenges Mr Rolfe had taken a lead role included:
• Accelerating the provision of infrastructure and co-ordinating its implementation on a whole-of-government basis, focusing on taking major projects from conception to completion;
• Accelerating infrastructure for the coal industry;
• Developing and implementing the South-East Queensland Water Grid;
• Overseeing the implementation of the Health Action Plan;
• Coordinating the response to Cyclone Larry within the Queensland Government;
• Formulating new initiatives to attract skilled workers to fill areas of skill shortage;
• Overseeing the implementation of the $80 billion South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and facilitating the development of many major projects;
• Spearheading initiatives to streamline approvals processes on critical infrastructure by amending the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act; and
• Working closely with the State Government to set the policy agenda for the next five years, particularly through the new, high-powered Future Strategies Division created to drive innovative responses to climate change, develop clean coal technology, develop an effective emission trading scheme and deal with other major challenges.
Mr Rolfe, 51, said: “I have been approached to take on a national and international role in infrastructure development with Babcock and Brown.
“I want to thank the Premier for the privilege of working with him and his team of Ministers and my wonderful colleagues in the Queensland public sector.
“I also thank him for the opportunity of working with him to shape the future of this great State and to advance Smart State strategies that are changing Queensland for the better.”
Mr Rolfe will resign from the position as of 6 July, and take leave from close of business on 29 June.
The position of Director-General, Department of Premier and Cabinet will be advertised nationally.
ENDS
Friday, 27 April 2007
Media contact: 3224 4500