The McKell Institute Western Australia has formally established its inaugural WA Advisory Committee, bringing together senior leaders from government, business, philanthropy, consulting, the creative industries and the union movement to guide the Institute’s growth and policy impact in the state.
The Committee is chaired by Hon. Bill Johnston, former WA Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Energy and Industrial Relations, who also serves on the McKell Institute’s National Board.
The full WA Advisory Committee comprises:
- Hon. Bill Johnston (Chair)
- Laine Ashforth-McDonald, Legal Counsel, Slater and Gordon
- Olivia Crowley, Director OC Strategy Group
- Anthony Fisk, Managing Director, ReGen Strategic
- Tim Fraser, Director Engagement, Minderoo Foundation
- Brad Gandy, Secretary, Australian Workers Union WA
- Dr Fiona Lander, Associate Partner, McKinsey and Company
- Astrid Serventy, Head of External Affairs APAC, Fortescue
- Justin Scanlan, CEO, Therapy, APM
- Owen Whittle, CEO, West Australian Music
Members of the WA Advisory Committee provide objective, expert advice to support McKell WA’s strategic direction and policy impact. They contribute to business development, and draw on deep experience across policy development, corporate strategy, governance, stakeholder engagement and advocacy.
Chair Hon. Bill Johnston said the Advisory Committee reflects the breadth of expertise required to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in Western Australia.
“Western Australia is at a pivotal moment, navigating economic diversification, energy transition, workforce reform and social change. McKell WA has an important role to play in shaping practical, outcomes-focused policy that reflects both economic reality and community expectations.”
“This Advisory Committee brings together leaders who understand how policy is made, how industry operates and how decisions affect working people and communities. I look forward to working with the Committee and Executive Director Jessica Bukowski to establish McKell WA as a credible, impactful and responsive policy voice in our state.”
McKell WA was launched in 2025 and forms part of the national McKell Institute, an independent, non-partisan, progressive research organisation dedicated to developing practical solutions to contemporary economic and social challenges.
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