Joint Media Release

Senator the Hon Helen Coonan
Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate

Senator the Hon Nick Minchin
Minister for Finance and Administration
Leader of the Government in the Senate

015/07 5 March 2007

New Deputy Chairman for Australia Post

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, and the Minister for Finance and Administration, Senator Nick Minchin, today welcomed the appointment of the Hon Mark Birrell as Deputy Chairman of the Board of Australia Post.

“Mr Birrell has made a significant contribution to the Board of Australia Post since he was appointed a Director in 2003, and I welcome his appointment to this important position,” Senator Coonan said.

Mr Birrell has had a distinguished career in the public sector and in the private sector as a solicitor and consultant.

“Mr Birrell will continue to bring both his legal background and extensive executive experience to the Board,” Senator Minchin said.

Mr Birrell was elected to the Victorian Parliament in 1983 and served as Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and in the Shadow Ministry.

Mr Birrell also held ministerial positions in the Victorian State Government from 1992 until 1999.

The appointment will be for a period of three years from 1 March 2007.

Mr Birrell fills the vacant position of Deputy Chairman following the promotion of Mr David Mortimer, AO, to Chairman of the Board last year.

Senator Coonan and Senator Minchin congratulated Mr Birrell on the important appointment.

Australia Post is one of Australia’s primary business organisations and plays a key role in Australian life.

Senator Coonan’s Media Contact:
Katherine Meier 0417 441 141

Senator Minchin’s Media Contact:
Simon Troeth 0439 300 335