Queensland Rail chairman Phillip Strachan resigns

Phillip Strachan, the man tasked with repairing Queensland’s troubled rail network, has resigned amid outrage over planned executive bonuses.

Outgoing Queensland Rail chairman Phillip Strachan and CEO Nick Easy, Central Station, Brisbane. Photographer: Liam Kidston

Queensland Rail chairman Phillip Strachan, the man appointed to repair the state’s troubled commuter rail network, has resigned amid outrage over planned executive bonuses.

The state-owned corporation’s bosses were this week banned by the state Labor government from accepting bonuses until the commuter timetable was fully restored following rostering blunders.

Queensland Rail had planned to issue bonuses of up to 15 per cent for 384 senior managers, which Transport Minister Mark Bailey considered an “error of judgment”.

Mr Strachan, who was appointed last February after heading the investigation into the affair, today told staff the company had maintained “a consistent and strong focus on implementing the recommendations” of his inquiry.

“Most importantly, we flawlessly delivered the heavy rail component of the Commonwealth Games and have seen a number of significant improvements for our customers,” he said in a message to staff.

The “rail fail” affair erupted on 4 October 2016 when the new Redcliffe Peninsula Line opened, prompting delays and cancellations across Brisbane’s commuter network. It peaked on 21 October 2016, when 167 train services needed to be cancelled.

Mr Strachan previously spent 35 years at the Rio Tinto Group in numerous finance roles. He also sits on the board of the controversial Great Barrier Reef Foundation.