Heather Ridout

Ridout in 2015

Heather Ridout AO (born 1954, Deniliquin)^[1] is an Australian businesswoman who previously served as the Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group.^[2]

Born in Deniliquin in south-western New South Wales, she later attended the University of Sydney. She is a member of several policy-setting and advice-giving groups including Skills Australia. Heather Ridout was also a member of the Henry Tax Review^[3] and chaired the Productivity and Prosperity Advisory Panel of the Population Strategy Task Force.^[4]

Heather Ridout has various other appointments including Director of the Australian Super Trustee Board^[5] and the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth.^[6] She member of the board of the Climate Change Authority.^[7]

In her former role with Ai Group, Ridout had a vigorous media presence, appearing on Network 10's Meet the Press programme,^[8] the ABC's Lateline and Q&A programmes,^[9][10] and various other radio and television shows.^[11] In November 2011, Ridout gave a televised address to the National Press Club of Australia on the choices Australia faces and challenges we need to confront to create a positive agenda and a positive future for the nation.^[12]

Ridout was made an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia on 10 June 2013.^[13]

In December 2022, Ridout was announced as the next Australian Consul-General in New York, succeeding Nick Greiner.^[14][15]

References

1. "Hard-nosed defender of industry". The Sydney Morning Herald. 26 November 2011.
2. "Innes Willox to fill Heather Ridout's shoes at AIG". The Australian. 15 February 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
3. "Henry Tax Review". Australian Industry Group. Archived from the original on 2 April 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
4. "Heather Ridout CV" (PDF). AiGroup. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
5. "The AustralianSuper Trustee Board is made up of six member representatives and six employer representatives". Australian Super. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
6. "About". ARACY. Archived from the original on 30 July 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
7. Greg Combet (21 June 2012). "Strong Board appointed for Climate Change Authority". Media Release. Australian Government. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
8. "Meet the Press" (PDF). Network 10. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 July 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
9. "Q&A Panellist". ABC. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
10. "Ali Moore speaks with Heather Ridout". ABC television. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
11. "Heather Ridout: high AUD could be a disaster for Australia". Radio National. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
12. "Taking Charge of our Future". Archived from the original on 17 November 2011. Retrieved 5 December 2011.
13. "Queen's Birthday honours list 2013". The Sydney Morning Herald. 10 June 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
14. Wong, Penny (20 December 2022). "Consul-General in New York". Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government. Archived from the original (Media Release) on 26 December 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
15. Albanese, Anthony; Wong, Penny (20 December 2022). "Appointment of Australian Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consul-General". Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government. Archived from the original (Media Release) on 26 December 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2022.