Former Queensland Deputy Premier, Jackie Trad, appointed as CEO of Australia’s Clean Energy Council
Trad brings her 30+ years of public policy experience that was instrumental in shaping Queensland’s renewable energy agenda
She succeeds Kane Thornton, whose 15-year tenure advanced key national clean energy policies and institutions, says the council
Australia’s clean energy lobby association, Clean Energy Council (CEC), has announced a change of guard at the top, bringing in former Deputy Premier and Treasurer in the Queensland government, Jackie Trad, as its chief executive officer (CEO).
The CEC board selected Trad for her ‘proven capability’ in bringing together different stakeholders, including environmental groups, the resources industry, and regional communities to protect Queensland’s environment and regional jobs.
She brings more than 30 years of experience in public policy, government, membership-based organizations, and campaigns. Trad was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the state’s ambitious renewable energy and emissions reduction targets, and establishing Queensland’s publicly-owned clean energy company CleanCo (see Queensland Launches New RE Focused Utility).
“As someone with a long-standing commitment to action on climate change, I know we are now in an important period of delivery, where policy reform and impactful advocacy, across Governments and within communities, is critical and necessary to achieve a successful jobs and energy transition for Australians,” said the incoming CEO of CEC Trad on her appointment.
Trad takes over from long-time CEC CEO Kane Thornton, who stepped down from his position on August 1, 2025, after leading the organization for 15 years. Thornton’s tenure saw Australia establish its Renewable Energy Target, Capacity Investment Scheme, and the establishment of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), among other developments.