The Queensland government announced today that it has appointed many senior business leaders to the QR National board. The Government said that as many as nine members were being named to the board to prepare QR National for its ASX listing. Shell Chairman Russell Caplan and former Australia Post chief Graeme John are the big names who are joining the board of the section of Queensland Rail to be privatized this year.

This move of the Queensland Government is seen as a very important decision as Queensland Rail is going to be separated into two sections from July 1 this year. One part of QR is reportedly going to be privatized in the final quarter of the year and will be known as QR National. The other part, which operates mainly passenger services throughout the state, will be retained in state government ownership.

The Government said that the appointment of such experienced business leader to the board will definitely benefit QR National.

"It's a huge vote of confidence in the future of QR National that this group of respected business leaders have been prepared to bring their excellent reputations and strong track record of success to support and advise the company in its planned transition to a top ASX listed company," said Ms. Anna Bligh, Queensland Premier.

The other members of the board include four members of the current board, former BHP veterans John Prescott and Lance Hockridge, former primary industries lobby group Agforce head Peter Kenny, and Allan Davies, former director of Pacific National.