The Hon Lindsay Tanner MP
Minister for Finance and Deregulation

Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate

New Board appointments for Australia Post

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, and Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner MP, today announced new appointments to the Board of Australia Post.

The new directors are Mr Mark Darras and Mr William Mansfield. Both have been appointed for a period of three years from 31 October 2008.

"I wish to congratulate Mr Darras and Mr Mansfield on their appointments. The experience, knowledge and skills that these two individuals will bring to the board will ensure the continued efficient and high-quality operations of one of Australia's most important and valued corporations," Senator Conroy said.

Mr Darras has extensive experience in senior counsel and executive positions. He is currently Special Counsel with Sparke Helmore Lawyers, and was previously Human Resources Strategy Executive with Goodman Fielder Limited.

Lindsay Tanner said, "Mr Darras will bring a broad range of legal and commercial expertise to the Australia Post Board, which will be particularly invaluable to the development of strategies to overcome the operational challenges that lie ahead."

"Mr Mansfield is a distinguished and well-respected practitioner in the industrial relations field, most recently in his capacity as Commissioner of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. Mr Mansfield will make a positive contribution on employee-related issues."

Mr Mansfield has been appointed under s73(3) of the Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989 - specifically for employee relations. He was Commissioner of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission from 2002 to 2006 and Assistant Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions from 1985 until 2002.

Mr Mansfield has also served as a member or director of a range of government bodies, including Telstra, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and the former National Occupational Health and Safety Commission.

ends

Date: 5 November 2008
Contact: Nardia Dazkiw (Lindsay Tanner's Office) 0418 144 690
Tim Marshall (Senator Conroy's Office) 0408 258 457