The Gas Networks 2050 Advisory Board is being established with a diverse set of stakeholders to act as a critical friend to Jemena Gas Networks.

The Advisory Board will collaborate with Jemena as we explore challenges in detail and consider the various strategies that we could adopt to best position us for the transition of the energy market, in keeping with the long-term interests of our customers. The role of the Advisory Board is to:

• Consider what role Jemena Gas Networks might play in a decarbonised energy market and envisage what this means for our customers, stakeholders and communities (with particular focus on our vulnerable and disadvantaged customers).
• Challenge and test us as we collaborate on potential scenarios and strategies to respond to these challenges and consider how we might transition our gas network to achieve our ambition of zero net emissions by 2050 and meet the long-term needs of our customers.
• Provide guidance on the most effective ways to present complex concepts, strategies and scenarios to our customers. Help us to help them understand the challenge, the drivers of change and the trade-offs required so they can provide well-informed feedback to help should our future direction.
• Provide input and advice for our 2025-2030 regulatory proposal to ensure it is accessible, culturally sensitive and empowers our customers to help shape our future direction.

Who's on the Advisory Board?

Chairperson, Rosemary Sinclair, AM

Rosemary is CEO of auDA, the administrator and self-regulatory policy body for Australia’s country code Top Level Domain, the .au domain. She has 25 years’ experience as a non-executive and managing director serving on private company, federal government and international level association boards including as inaugural CEO of Energy Consumers Australia (ECA). Rosemary has senior governance experience in highly regulated sectors – telecommunications, media, higher education with experience on Audit and Remuneration committees. Recognised for her long-standing contribution to the Australian telecommunications industry and her focus on a consumer-led energy transition, Rosemary has detailed understanding of infrastructure planning and the impact of technology change, and is well placed to guide the Advisory Board through the many complexities arising from the transformation of the energy sector.

Andrew Richards, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Users Association of Australia

Representing large energy users

Andrew has more than 30 years of energy industry and infrastructure development experience having held a variety of senior management roles in the areas of sales and marketing, public and stakeholder relations, media and communications, strategic planning, policy development, stakeholder engagement and political advocacy.

Aidan Mullan, Sustainability Manager, Interface Australia and New Zealand

Representing himself as a Jemena Gas Networks customer with a focus on industrial and commercial users

As Sustainability Manager at Interface, Aidan specialises in the commercialisation of the company’s Climate Take Back initiative to run its business in a way that reverses the effects of global warming. He uses Life Cycle Assessment tools to evaluate raw materials and manufacturing environmental impacts to assist the company transition to more sustainable processes and products, helping it achieve its goal to become carbon negative by 2040. A Chemical Engineer by profession, Aidan has led innovations to reduce waste, embodied carbon and continuous development of the company’s circular economy model.

Douglas McCloskey, Program Director, Energy and Water, Public Interest Advocacy Centre

Representing NSW household energy consumers, with a focus on households experiencing disadvantage or vulnerability

Douglas is the Program Director Energy and Water at the Public Interest Advocacy Centre. He focuses on issues impacting vulnerable NSW households, fair and affordable access to water, access to sustainable technology, and advocating for measures to make the retail electricity market fairer. Douglas has more 15 years of experience across policy, government, and community and social service advocacy and youth development.

Gavin Dufty, Executive Manager, Policy and Research, St Vincent de Paul

Representing domestic energy consumers – low income and disadvantaged

Gavin has over 30 years of leadership experience in community welfare and advocacy, along with a comprehensive understanding of consumer protection issues related to energy and water. Gavin is a valued member on a number of the transmission, distribution and retailer Customer Councils.

Mary Karras, Chief Executive Officer, NSW Ethnic Communities Council

Representing culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD).

Mary is a passionate believer in the principles of multiculturalism, bringing a wealth of learning and experiences as a result of her work with diverse communities. She brings broad knowledge and experience in developing and implementing multicultural policy, including consultation, planning, leadership, and strategic thinking.

Professor Peta Ashworth, OAM, Director, Curtin Institute for Energy Transition

Representing the academic sector

Professor Ashworth is a globally-recognised expert in the fields of energy, communication, stakeholder engagement, and technology assessment. For almost two decades, Peta has been researching public attitudes toward climate and energy technologies, including wind, carbon capture and storage (CCS), solar photovoltaic, storage and geothermal.

Natalie Thacker, Customer

Representing NSW gas residential customers with a focus on Western Sydney

Natalie is a customer and participant from our 2020 business plan engagement. She is interested in the challenges ahead for the gas sector and potential impacts on industries in Western Sydney. She has held a variety of office and customer service roles in the non-profit and government sectors including office coordinator at Australian Carers, the NSW Electoral Commission and also as a long-term mystery shopper where she brings a unique perspective. She was previously owner of a pub in QLD (now sold) and understands the small business landscape. Natalie currently resides in the Campbelltown area.

Tennant Reed, Head of Climate, Energy and Environment Policy, Australian Industry Group (AI Group)

Representing industrial energy users

Tennant works heavily on climate and energy issues, advising Ai Group’s Leaders’ Group on Energy and Climate Policy and developing reports on natural gas supply, energy prices and energy efficiency.

Previously he was an adviser in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, working on fiscal policy, stimulus and infrastructure.

Victoria Jordan, Customer

Representing NSW gas residential customers with a regional focus

Victoria is a regional customer and participant from our 2020 business plan engagement and has a strong interest in the future of energy. A qualified solicitor within a private practice in Bathurst, her 25 years of experience covers positions in disability advocacy, the Australian Army, emergency services, and as a technician, manager and teacher of Neurophysiology within public and private hospitals in NSW. With her spectrum of life experience and rich and varied work history, she’s looking forward to bringing a strong customer voice to the Advisory Board.

Advisory Board members are remunerated for their time in line with industry standards sitting fees such as AusGrid and Jemena's Customer Charter at around $250 p/h.