Communications Day reported this week that former federal communications minister Michael Lee will be heading the board of Communications Alliance to replace its retiring seven-year chair Neville Stevens. Effective from January 1, 2010, Lee’s appointment is expected to bring significant industry knowledge and leadership skills to the position. Lee was the last communications minister under the Paul Keating government that lost office in 1996.

Lee said, “I am excited by the opportunity to lead the Communications Alliance Board at this critical time in the industry’s history. I look forward to engaging with members in 2010 as Communications Alliance continues to lead the industry’s input into the NBN and initiates new programs to promote consumer confidence in the broadband-enabled world.”

The Communications Alliance board has recognised Stevens’ contributions in forging unified positions among competitive industry players. He was responsible for merging the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) and Service Providers Industry Association (SPAN) to become Communications Alliance.

“The industry now faces new challenges and opportunities with the NBN and I am confident that Michael Lee has the drive and experience to continue Communications Alliance’s great work and lead the organisation into the digital environment,” Stevens commented on Lee’s appointment.