Throughout his long and distinguished career, Phillip has been devoted to matters of critical importance to the nation.
He is a future-focused leader drawn to navigating complex and contested areas while also inspiring his team to deliver their best. Never shying away from difficult issues, at the MDBA Phillip has overseen the largest water reform of its kind in the world during the worst drought on record.
He’s worked at local, national and international levels, garnering and actively seeking alternate perspectives to determine a practical and meaningful way forward, and water management has been no exception.
The MDBA is a different organisation to what it was when Phillip joined 6 years ago. He has provided strong, calm and proactive stewardship, helping to transform the agency to be more connected to its communities and stakeholders. This will be his lasting legacy to the MDBA.
He knows the Murray–Darling Basin like the back of his hand and cares deeply about its future, which has been a strong foundation for the momentum he has achieved during his time as Chief Executive, often in challenging circumstances.
His key achievements were overseeing the northern Basin review, the 2017 SDLAM Determination, the 2020 Basin Plan Evaluation, and the regionalisation of the MDBA.
Phillip has been on long service leave over the past few months and will not be returning to the MDBA. We wish him all the best as he enters retirement and enjoys spending more quality time with his family.
Until Phillip’s replacement is found, Andrew Reynolds will continue acting as Chief Executive.
Sir Angus Houston (Chair)
Professor Stuart Bunn
Ms Joanna Hewitt AO
Ms Susan Madden
Mr Rene Woods
Andrew Reynolds (acting Chief Executive)
ENDS
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