Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls welcomed the appointment saying the trust had been established to advise the State Government on issues relating to the Royalties for Regions Fund.
The Minister also announced the appointment of three other trust members:
· Sue Middleton - Australian Rural Woman of the Year 2010
· Tim Shanahan - Pilbara Development Commission chair
· Paul Rosair - Director General of the Department of Regional Development and Lands.
Mr Grylls said the trust would provide high-level advice and recommendations to him regarding the allocation of money under the Royalties for Regions Fund and between the subsidiary accounts of the fund.
“I am very pleased Mr Murray has agreed to take on the responsibility as the first chair of the WA Regional Development Trust for three years,” he said.
“Besides his experience in Government as a Senator for Western Australia, he has a strong business background as an executive and director in public and private corporations as well as owning and managing his own businesses.
“He was also a Rhodes Scholar and his expertise in finance and other business areas including strategic planning and business analysis and development, will be invaluable to the work of the trust.”
The Minister said there had been keen interest from people across Western Australia in membership of the trust.
“The response included interest from many exceptional people whose applications highlighted the commitment people across our State have to improving and developing regional Western Australia,” Mr Grylls said.
Minister's office - 9213 7000