Macfarlane joins Woodside board

Former Howard and Abbott government minister Ian Macfarlane has been appointed non-executive director of Woodside Petroleum. 

Mr MacFarlane joins Woodside as an independent director, effective immediately. 

Woodside chair Michael Chaney said Mr Macfarlane had more than 14 years’ experience in cabinet and shadow ministerial positions and was Australia’s longest serving federal resources minister.

“Mr Macfarlane is held in high regard in the Australian resources industry and brings a wealth of relevant experience to the Woodside board,” he said.

During his political career, Mr Macfarlane covered the business portfolios with a focus on Australia’s resources, energy, agribusiness, science and innovation, as well as manufacturing and industry sectors.

Mr Macfarlane announced his retirement from Australian politics in February this year and has recently been appointed chief executive of the Queensland Resources Council.