Former Federal Minister for Industry Science and Technology and former Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon. Karen Andrews will join the Australian Resources Recovery Council (ARRC) after 15 years in politics.
Bringing with her a professional background in mechanical engineering, industrial relations and small business, Mrs Andrews has accepted the role of non-executive director of the ARRC.
CEO Rick Ralph said Mrs Andrews’ depth of government and strategic leadership experience in both public and private sectors would be vital to the advocacy of how we 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,” Mr 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 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, Mrs Andrews was Queensland’s first female Federal Cabinet Minister, serving from 2018 to 2022. She held several senior ministerial appointments, including Minister for Industry, Science and Technology and Minister for Home Affairs. Mrs Andrews was the first female Minister appointed to both the Industry and Home Affairs portfolios.
Mrs Andrews said that as the leading business advocate for Australia’s Resources Recovery and Waste Industry, the ARRC was committed to creating a strong domestic market for the resources we should be recovering.
“I am excited to join the ARRC and bring a focus to how we generate an important source of renewable and recycled resources, contributing to lower emissions, strengthening new local industries, and protecting community health, and the natural environment,” Mrs Andrews said.
Ms Andrews said “ 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.
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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Media Contacts: GT Communications
Mollie Smith, Senior Advisor [email protected] | 0403558440
About The Australian Resources Recovery Council
The Australian Resources Recovery Council is the leading business advocate for Australia’s resources recovery and waste industry. Our members provide Australians with a valuable source of renewable resources by collecting, managing and treating waste and recyclable materials, and making resources available to Government, communities and manufacturers for re-use in place of natural materials.