Tony Mahar appointed as Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
Mahar, the former CEO of the National Farmers Federation (NFF), has been appointed as the new Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC), bringing deep ties to farming and regional communities to the role.
Newly appointed Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar will play a key role in ensuring regional communities are central to the nation’s transition to renewable energy.
The Commissioner is an independent role appointed by the Australian Government, reporting to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. The Commissioner’s role is to receive and refer complaints from concerned community residents about wind farms, large-scale solar farms, energy storage facilities and new major transmission projects as well as promote best practices for industry and government to adopt in regard to the planning and operation of these projects.
Mahar’s background, which includes eight years leading the National Farmers Federation (NFF), makes him well-positioned to understand the challenges and opportunities that renewable energy projects present to rural Australia. His role as AEIC will involve acting as a bridge between farming communities, government, and the energy industry, helping to ensure that local voices are heard during the rollout of major energy infrastructure, such as wind and solar farms, and energy storage facilities.
Drawing from his extensive advocacy experience, Mahar will promote community engagement and transparency, addressing concerns and misconceptions about the planning and operation of renewable energy projects. In doing so, he aims to help farming regions secure long-term social and economic benefits from hosting this infrastructure.
“Mr Mahar has great experience working with business, government, farmers and farming communities and has the respect of both landholders and the energy industry,” said Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen.
In addition to his role as CEO of the NFF, Mahar has served on boards such as the Australian Farmers’ Fighting Fund and the Australian Made Campaign. This wealth of experience will inform his approach as he takes up the non-statutory role for an initial three-year term, where his advocacy for farming communities will be key to balancing local interests with the nation’s renewable energy goals.
Mahar steps into the role following John Sheldon, who served as interim commissioner after the retirement of Andrew Dyer. As Australia’s energy system undergoes modernisation, Mahar's deep understanding of regional priorities will guide his efforts to support both farming communities and the renewable energy industry in finding common ground.
