The Albanese government has appointed former Liberal MP Sussan Ley to the board of Snowy Hydro Ltd, more than seven months after she stepped down as opposition leader. Ley, who previously served as environment and water minister under the Morrison government, will join the board alongside Merryn York, a former commissioner of the Australian Energy Market Commission.

Ley represented the regional seat of Farrer and held a brief tenure as opposition leader before being replaced by Angus Taylor in February following a leadership spill. Since leaving politics, she has made public accounts of her travels, including a recent trip across the United States by Greyhound bus.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen highlighted Ley’s extensive experience in government and her connection to regional Australia as key assets. Bowen also noted York’s decades of involvement in Australia’s electricity sector, citing her experience in transmission planning, system design, and renewable energy integration. “Their combined knowledge and skill will help Snowy Hydro deliver reliable power, stronger regional economies and more Australian jobs,” Bowen said.

Ley’s appointment comes as Snowy Hydro Ltd continues to oversee the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme and the Snowy 2.0 project. The latter, a major expansion of the hydroelectric system first announced in 2017 by then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, has encountered significant delays and increased costs. The project is now not expected to be completed until late 2029.

The government emphasized Ley’s understanding of the project’s importance, noting her familiarity with the scheme’s significance to communities in southwest New South Wales. “She developed a detailed understanding of the importance of the Snowy scheme to the people of southwest NSW,” the statement said.

York, who previously served as chief executive of Powerlink Queensland and held roles at the Australian Energy Market Operator, brings substantial expertise in managing and investing in large-scale infrastructure. The government said her appointment adds valuable operational and investment experience to the board.

Outgoing board members Sandra Dodds and Scott Mitchell were acknowledged for their significant contributions to Snowy Hydro. Snowy Hydro Ltd’s chair, Paul Gallagher, described the new appointments as bringing “strong and complementary skills,” which will be important as the company continues to deliver major projects and support Australia’s energy system.