The Albanese Government has announced new appointments to the NBN Co Board: Chum Darvall AM and Jules Scarlett as Non-Executive Directors for three years, and the reappointment of Pam Bains for two years.
Darvall has extensive Chair and Non-Executive Director experience across ASX-listed and private companies, government entities, and not-for-profit organisations.
He joins the Board with valuable experience from his career in financial markets, banking and infrastructure, including at Deutsche Bank and Westpac. Darvall’s significant finance and treasury background, and experience managing critical infrastructure, will be highly valuable to the Board.
Scarlett has an extensive background in the telecommunications sector. She has over 24 years of experience at Telstra, where she was most recently the Chief Sustainability Officer, overseeing the development, governance and integration of Telstra’s sustainability strategy.
“The Board plays a key role in overseeing NBN Co, ensuring it continues to deliver for all Australians as a publicly-owned company,” says Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.
“These new members were selected with mind to their extensive experience, and valuable perspectives which complement the existing membership and add to the wealth of knowledge available on the NBN Co Board.”
Scarlett is currently the Chair and Commissioner of Tasmania Legal Aid, an organisation focused on providing access to legal services to vulnerable communities in Tasmania, and has also served for 10 years on the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman Board. Scarlett’s strong industry experience, including her professional and personal interests in regional and rural advocacy, will make her an asset to the Board.
Bains joined the Board in 2022, and has since overseen important milestones including the repayment of the Commonwealth Loan, and the completion of the Fixed Wireless and Satellite Upgrade program.
“Ms Bains will continue to bring a wealth of financial and management experience and expertise to the NBN Co Board,” she added.
Read also: ABC Board appointment: Georgina Somerset named Deputy Chair
“I look forward to continuing to work with the Board to deliver on NBN Co’s mission to provide affordable and accessible broadband services for the benefit of all Australians.”
Bains has extensive experience in finance and leadership roles in Australia and globally. She is currently the Executive Director of Aurizon Network Pty Ltd and Non-Executive Director of Coal Network Capacity Co Pty Ltd, and has held senior positions at Telefonica O2 UK, Next PLC, General Electric and Arthur Andersen.
Bains’ reappointment ensures the retention of critical knowledge and continuity on the Board to oversee NBN Co, especially as the company continues to mature and undertakes further network upgrades.
“The appointment of Mr Darvall and Ms Scarlett, and reappointment of Ms Bains will ensure the addition and retention of essential skills and experience for the NBN Co Board’s leadership, enabling the company to continue to upgrade and improve the National Broadband Network,” commented Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher.
“I thank Ms Nicole Lockwood and Mr Michael Malone for their contributions to the NBN Co Board and the valuable expertise they have bought to the Board.”
The Government acknowledges outgoing Non-Executive Director, Michael Malone, for his extensive service and significant contribution to the Board. Malone has served the Board for 9 years, and during this time has overseen significant milestones, including the completion of the initial network build and the revision of NBN Co’s Special Access Undertaking.
The Government also thanks Non-Executive Director, Nicole Lockwood, for her contributions to the Board over the past 3 years, including oversight of the upgrade of a further 2 million premises as part of NBN Co’s fixed-line network upgrade program.
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
