Victoria Government Forum

Treasurer and Minister for Economic Development, Industrial Relations

Tim was elected to the Victorian Parliament in 2006 and is the state member for Werribee.

Following the election of the Andrews Labor Government in November 2014, he was sworn in as Victoria’s 50th Treasurer – a position he holds to this day. He is also currently the Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Industrial Relations.

Tim previously served in the Bracks and Brumby Governments as Minister for Roads and Ports, and later added Major Projects to his responsibilities. He was also previously Minister for Resources in the last term of the Andrews Labor Government, overseeing a period of significant growth.

As Minister for Roads, he delivered the EastLink, oversaw the M1 Upgrade, the construction of the Deer Park Bypass and Geelong Ring Road, completed the upgrade of the Calder Freeway to improve links to Bendigo, and was responsible for commencing the Peninsula Link project on the Mornington Peninsula.

In the Major Projects portfolio, he was responsible for big ticket items like the development of AAMI Stadium, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, as well as the Melbourne Recital Centre and Melbourne Theatre Company’s auditorium.

Tim’s first budget as Treasurer in May 2015 delivered the biggest education budget and investment in public transport in the State’s history. His second budget in April 2016 included the single biggest school capital investment in Victoria’s history as well as fully funding the construction of Melbourne’s new Metro Tunnel. His third budget in May 2017 included an unprecedented $1.9 billion investment to tackle family violence.

The 2018/19 Victorian Budget focused on continued jobs growth, investment in major projects and the Free TAFE initiative.

The 2019/20 Budget delivered a suburban transport blitz, universal three-year-old kinder, and the solar homes initiative, while maintaining a strong and steady economic approach.

In Tim’s time as Treasurer, we have seen a significant improvement in Victoria’s economy, with the fastest growth in full-time jobs in the nation.

Tim studied Arts/Law at the Australian National University prior to taking up roles with the Federal Firefighters Union and the Storemen and Packers Union. Tim still holds a legal practising certificate and is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

He later served as Assistant Secretary of the ACTU before taking up a position as Chief of Staff to Premier Steve Bracks.

He is married with two children and is a passionate supporter of the Western Bulldogs, Melbourne Storm, Melbourne Victory and the Melbourne Vixens. In his spare time, Tim works towards fulfilling a dream of being an accomplished chilli farmer.

Chief Executive Officer, the Digital Transformation Agency

Before his appointment, Randall spent almost 30 years working in a range of public and private sector roles, with a focus on transformation.

His public sector experience has spanned large, medium and small organisations and his private sector experience includes more than a decade working with the Boston Consulting Group and a private IT consulting firm, which he founded and operated.

Most recently Randall was Deputy Australian Statistician and Chief Operating Officer at the Australian Bureau of Statistics and before that, Chief Information Officer at the former Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Randall holds a Master of Business Administration, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Computing and a Bachelor of Education degree. He is also a Senior Executive Fellow of the Harvard Kennedy School.

CEO, Australian Information Industry Association 

Ron has developed a significant reputation as the “Go To” executive for organisations who are looking for significant growth, transformation, asset leverage, good governance and/or quality leadership. He has an extensive track record of building success out of adversity.  He enjoys working with organisations yet to realise their growth opportunities. Ron has an innate ability to navigate through complex environments & eclectic stakeholders creating opportunity & growth. He is recognised as an inspirational leader with a reputation for getting the best out of his teams and getting things done. He is also a strong keynote speaker at corporate events, conferences and development workshops.

Ron is currently the CEO of the Australian Information Industry Association. His previous roles include CEO at Fed Square, Melbourne Storm, and Melbourne Polytechnic (Formerly NMIT). As CEO & MD of the Melbourne Storm, Ron navigated the club to success post the Salary Cap scandal that rocked the sporting world. Despite not having any direct experience in rugby league, he oversaw the restoration of the Storm to what was at that time its most successful level since its inception in 1998 and the club is now an NRL powerhouse.

Gauci has also held senior positions in some of the largest multinational and domestic technology organisations. He is a Graduate of AICD and has extensive Board experience across a variety of different industries including being the current Chairman of Vicsport.

Founder and principal, MIA Consulting Services

Deirdre Diamante is the founder and principal of MIA Consulting Services. She works closely with government to implement industry and procurement programs and is a sought-after advisor by commercial and public sector organisations alike. Her various educational programs are recognised by AusIndustry, Business Victoria and Swinburne University. Deirdre is the immediate past Chair of the Victorian Council of the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) and a co-founder and Director of the #TechDiversity Foundation. Recently Deirdre was appointed a Director to the Board of Manningham Community Enterprises Limited, part of the Bendigo Bank Community Bank network.