Former Opposition Leader Dutton Joins Queensland Investment Corporation Board

The LNP government hopes his appointment can speed up investment in local defence and biotech industries.

Former Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton talks to media at the Coffee Commune during a visit in Brisbane, Australia on Feb. 17, 2025. AAP Image/Jono Searle

The Queensland LNP state government has appointed former federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and former Labor government assistant minister, Michael Choi, to the board of the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC).

The QIC is a major investment firm, wholly owned by the Queensland government that manages $135 billion in assets globally.

In a statement, the Crisafulli Liberal National Party government said the appointment was a strategic decision to bolster investment in critical minerals and defence.

The state contains 51 of the world’s critical minerals and is making a bid for a direct critical minerals agreement with the United States.

“These appointments will bring world-class expertise to the Queensland Investment Corporation, strengthening its ability to driving investment in our state, helping grow our economy to benefit all Queenslanders,” Treasurer David Janetzki said.

“Queensland is open for business, and we are equipping our state-owned investment manager to secure opportunities within Australia and abroad.”

The government says Dutton will provide advice to help accelerate the growth of the flagship Sovereign Industry Development Fund.

Meanwhile, Choi will focus on the critical minerals sector.

Minister for Trade Ros Bates also weighed in.

“I welcome both new directors to the board, ensuring Queensland Investment Corporation is well positioned for the future,” she said.

“The strong and clear leadership the new appointees will help steer Queensland into the future and capitalise on the opportunities ahead.”

The QIC’s most recent financial report showed board directors were typically paid around $130,000 a year (pdf), while the board chairman was paid more than $230,000.

Dutton Also Joins Lifeflight Board

The former opposition leader will also join the LifeFlight Commercial Board as non-executive director.

LifeFlight Commercial was established to find more funding for LifeFlight, which has helped 90,000 people with emergency help by air.

According to the organisation, one patient is airlifted or supported by LifeFlight every 62 minutes. The company also has jets stationed in Townsville, Brisbane, and Singapore.

“Peter brings broad experience from across government, business and philanthropy, including 23 years in federal parliament and senior leadership roles spanning health, defence and home affairs,” a LifeFlight Commercial statement said in a statement issued on April 10.