Karen Andrews, former Federal Minister for Industry Science and Technology and former Minister for Home Affairs, will join the Australian Resources Recovery Council (ARRC) after 15 years in politics.
Andrews has accepted the role of non-executive director of the ARRC. She brings with her a professional background in mechanical engineering, industrial relations and small business.
ARRC Chief Executive Officer Rick Ralph said Andrews’ depth of government and strategic leadership experience in both public and private sectors would be vital to the advocacy of how to change the narrative about how waste is viewed in Australia.
“Mrs Andrews is a champion for manufacturing capability and innovation in Australia, having driven national initiatives including the $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy,” Ralph said.
“As the former Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, she delivered for the domestic manufacturing sector and secured critical supply chains during the (COVID) pandemic while overseeing the growth of the Australian space sector.
“She has long been an advocate for a strong domestic manufacturing industry and, in her new position with the ARRC, will provide critical leadership in council’s advocacy work with policymakers to prioritise resources recovery in Australia.”
Elected in 2010, Andrews was Queensland’s first female Federal Cabinet Minister, serving from 2018 to 2022. She held several senior ministerial appointments, including being the first female minister appointed to the Industry, Science and Technology and Home Affairs portfolios.
Andrews said she was excited to join the ARRC and bring a focus to how Australia generates an important source of renewable and recycled resources, contributing to lower emissions, strengthening new local industries, and protecting community health, and the natural environment.
“In the financial year just ended the resources recovery and waste industry directly provided 45,479 jobs to Australians, contributing over $7.3 billion in industry value add towards the Australia’s economy,” Andrews said.
“My understanding and knowledge across the industry, science, technology and national security portfolios, plus a diverse career prior to entering politics, gives me a strong foundation to lead a changed narrative for a stronger and sustainable Australian market for locally recovered and used renewable resources.”
ARRC members provide Australian businesses, governments and communities access to essential, resources recovery, recycling and waste services. This includes recovering materials such as biogas, plastics, paper and cardboard, tyres, metals, garden and food organics, construction aggregates as well as engineering fuels for energy.
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