The Hon Nick Greiner AC

The Hon Nick Greiner AC served as Premier and Treasurer of New South Wales from 1988 to 1992, leading one of Australia’s most reform-driven governments. His administration was widely regarded as a world leader in public sector reform, pioneering privatisation, private infrastructure provision, contracting out and modern financial management practices.

Elected to the NSW Parliament in 1980 as the Member for Ku-ring-gai, Mr Greiner became Leader of the Opposition in 1983. Under his leadership, the Liberal–National Coalition secured a landslide victory in 1988. Prior to becoming Premier, he served as Shadow Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and developed strong policy expertise in health care.

As Premier, Mr Greiner oversaw landmark economic reforms. These included the $1.5 billion sale of the Government Insurance Office (GIO), the introduction of the world’s first privately financed urban toll roads, and major restructures of the State’s energy, port and transport enterprises. His government also led the privatisation of coal and grain handling, printing, computing and numerous other government operations.

He played a leading role in the Special Premiers’ Conference process, which laid the groundwork for significant national reforms including mutual recognition of standards for goods, services and occupations, the establishment of the National Rail Corporation, and coordinated national approaches to energy, road pricing and training. Additional policy achievements included the introduction of fixed-term parliaments, the establishment of the Environment Protection Authority, comprehensive industrial relations reform and significant restructuring of the NSW school system.

Since retiring from politics, Mr Greiner has built a distinguished corporate career, serving as Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Director of numerous major organisations in Australia and internationally. His appointments have included Chairman of Bradken, The Nuance Group, QBE Australia/New Zealand and Asia-Pacific, and Accolade Wines; Deputy Chairman of CHAMP Private Equity; Senior Advisor to Rothschild globally; and Chairman of the Council of Advisors for Rothschild Australia Limited.

He has also contributed extensively to business, policy and community organisations. Mr Greiner is a Director of the European Australian Business Council (EABC) and a Member of the Board of Governors of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA). He serves as a Trustee of the Sydney Theatre Company Foundation and is involved with several academic and policy advisory boards, including the Andrew & Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, the John Grill Centre for Project Leadership and the Harvard Business School Asia-Pacific Advisory Board.

In recognition of his contribution to public administration and community service, Mr Greiner was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1994. He was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2000.

He is a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, an Honorary Fellow of CPA Australia and holds life memberships with the South Sydney Rugby League Club and the NSW Division of the Liberal Party. He has also served as President of Squash Australia and Soccer Australia.

Mr Greiner holds an Honours degree in Economics from the University of Sydney and a Master of Business Administration with High Distinction from Harvard Business School.

As a speaker, Nick Greiner brings authoritative insight into economic reform, corporate governance, infrastructure, public policy and leadership. Drawing on experience across government and global business, he provides informed and practical perspectives on reform, fiscal discipline and long-term strategic management.