Former Premier Morris Iemma named Chair of Venues NSW

July 20, 2023

The NSW Government has announced the appointment of former Premier of NSW, Morris Iemma, as the new Chair of the board of Venues NSW, filling the role vacated by Tony Shepherd who stepped down in February.

A statement from the NSW Government advised that “the role of Chairperson (of Venues NSW) was advertised after the previous chair vacated the position in February 2023” with the Premier’s Department and the Office of Sport leading the appointment process for this role.

The 40th Premier of NSW, who left the NSW Parliament in 2008, is currently Chairman of the NSW Government Cancer Institute, the Usman Khawaja Foundation and Clean Energy Partnerships and the Astra Institute of Higher Education.

He is currently on the boards of Football NSW and the Ingham Medical Research Institute and was previously a trustee of the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust (which has since become a part of Venues NSW).

Mindful that his appointment may been seen as ‘political’, the statement advised that the “the former Government also appointed Mr Iemma to (the roles of) Chair, Greyhound Racing NSW; Board Member, NSW TAFE and Commissioner South District, Greater Sydney Commission.

Emma Hogan also joins the Venues NSW board after leading the NSW Department of Customer Service since 2019.

Hogan is currently a board member at Destination NSW and ReachOut Australia, is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration and is a member of Chief Executive Women.

Announcing the appointments, NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper stated “I am looking forward to working collaboratively with Morris Iemma and the entire Venues NSW board to ensure that we can continue our mission to make NSW and our venues the premier destination in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Morris Iemma is an outstanding candidate with a wealth of experience, including as the 40th Premier of NSW - and that is something that history shows both sides of politics can agree on.

“Emma Hogan is an incredible leader and public servant. Her work leading Service NSW and the people of NSW throughout COVID-19 was exemplary. She is an outstanding professional who will no doubt bring invaluable customer-focused experience to the board.”

Speaking after his appointment, Iemma, a former Sports Minister, told the Sydney Morning Herald that his immediate priority in the role was to complete master plans for the agency’s Newcastle and Wollongong precincts, and bolster the major events calendar.

Image: Morris Iemma. Credit: Premier Communications Group.

13th June 2023 - Digital screen upgrade for Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium

3rd May 2023 - NSW Government looks to raise cap on concert events at the SCG and Allianz Stadium

30th March 2023 - Ministers sworn in for NSW’s new Government as incoming Premier advises of end to suburban stadium funding

24th March 2023 - Sydney’s Accor Stadium transitions from concert venue to sporting arena

13th February 2023 - Venues NSW Chair Tony Shepherd steps down

29th August 2022 - Venues NSW partnership with Rizer delivers memorable opening ceremony at Allianz Stadium

8th July 2022 - Venues NSW seeks approval for concerts at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium

22nd June 2022 - NSW Government budget delivers $3.5 million for Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre but no money for new stadia

27th August 2021 - NEC agrees 10-year display network link with Venues NSW

8th January 2021 - Venues NSW tells Sydney fans not to attend tonight’s A-League and W-League games in Newcastle

17th November 2020 - Appointments announced for Venues NSW Board

23rd June 2020 - NSW Government announces merger of SCG Trust and Venues NSW

31st January 2020 - Paul Doorn leaves Venues NSW for Chief Executive role at NSW Rugby Union

23rd December 2018 - Event Hub wins multi-year contract with Venues NSW

29th April 2018 - Venues NSW Chair issued warning over viability of Sydney stadium redevelopments

31st August 2017 - Venues NSW seeks operator for new Western Sydney Stadium

8th May 2017 - New Venues NSW board announced to oversee major venues

28th March 2013 - Last chance for Venues NSW stadium naming sponsorships

2nd March 2012 - Minister launches Venues NSW board

25th March 2011 - Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre opening attracts the crowds

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