Tracey Hayes appointed the new head of NAIF, businessman Steve Margetic joins the board

Prominent Territory businesswoman Tracey Hayes is the new chair of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility.

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FORMER Darwin Waterfront Corporation chair and ex-NT Cattlemen’s Association chief executive officer Tracey Hayes is the new chair of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).

Ms Hayes serves on the Australia Indonesia Institute Board and the National Drought and Flood Response and Recovery Agency Advisory Board.

Project management specialist Stephen Margetic, who is the managing director of Sitzler Pty Ltd, has also been named as a new board member.

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Ms Hayes takes over from Justin Mannolini (WA), who has been acting chair since March.

Mr Mannolini, who has extensive experience in investment banking and corporate governance, has been reappointed to the board for another three years.

Indigenous investment and community development specialist Kate George (WA) has also been reappointed to the NAIF board for three more years.

Tracey Hayes. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

Steve Margetic.

Resources, Water and Northern Australia Minister Keith Pitt said Ms Hayes and board members had the credentials to lead the $5 billion NAIF through its next phase after federal parliament approved reforms which widen the facility’s investment options to support projects across Northern Australia.

“The appointments ensure the NAIF has the breadth of skills and leadership experience needed to lead the organisation through its next phase, with its mandate extended until July 2026,” Minister Pitt said.

Announcements will soon be made on two further NAIF board appointments and will include Queensland representation.

Since it started operations in 2016, NAIF has committed $2.9 billion in finance for projects which are forecast to generate $9.4 billion in economic benefit and support around 9000 jobs.