Tribunal members

The Queensland Independent Remuneration Tribunal Act 2013 provides that the Tribunal consists of three persons appointed by the Governor in Council.

Kirsty Chessher-Brown (Chair)
BEnvMan (Sust. Dev) Hons. 1A, MSc (Cons. Biol.), GradCert UrbPlan, GAICD

Ms Kirsty Chessher-Brown has an extensive experience in strategic management and stakeholder management, particularly in the property sector. She has held the role of CEO of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (Queensland, the property industry’s peak body, for the last 8 years.

Kirsty has previously held roles relating to research, advocacy and sustainability and has significant experience in the review, creation and positioning of public policy across a range of disciplines and three levels of government.

Kirsty is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Board Director of Stanwell.

Jim Varghese AM

Mr Jim Varghese AM is the former Chancellor of Torrens University, Chairman of the Leadership Company Qld Pty Ltd, Director of the Springfield City Group and chairs the Board. Jim is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, Royal Institute of Public Administration and the Australian Marketing Institute. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Jim is the Chair of Mindhive Pty Ltd (an early driver of Artificial Intelligence). He is a director of Australian India Business Exchange AIBX (50 % owned by a government of India commercial entity) and Australia India Business Pty Ltd

Jim is Chair and founder of the Mahatma Gandhi Salt March Company

Jim is the former National Chair of the Australia India Business Council and has been awarded lifetime membership.

Jim is also a former Director of Trade and Investment Queensland.

Jim had a 30-year career in the public service, including leadership roles in both Queensland and Victoria and has since conducted three independent government reviews. Jim has a Bachelor of Arts (with honours) and Bachelor of Divinity from the University of Queensland and Master of Business Administration and Diploma in Education from the University of Melbourne. He has also served as an adjunct professor and on the Councils of several Queensland universities and the Victorian Institute of Technology.

Jim was awarded the Centenary Medal and the Order of Australia for services to the public sector and community.

Michael Hickey

Mr Michael Hickey worked in the Queensland public sector for 38 years, including 27 years in the Parliamentary Service.

During his time in the Parliamentary Service, Michael performed several management and executive management roles including as Director of Corporate and House Services and was responsible for introducing major corporate governance and financial management reforms within the organisation.

Michael also led a range of reforms in the management of parliamentary accommodation, including:

• undertaking a Strategic Review of Parliamentary Buildings (Parliament House and the Parliamentary Annexe);
• developing the first ever Parliament House Heritage Management Plan; and
• completing two significant reviews of security and safety in all Electorate Offices across the State.

With 25 years’ experience in the day-to-day administration and management of Members’ entitlements, Michael has extensive knowledge of the remuneration and allowances framework for Members of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.

Michael has a Bachelor of Business (Public Administration) from QUT.