The Chief Executive of CSIRO, Dr Malcolm McIntosh welcomed today's announcement by the Prime Minister that Mr Charles Allen had been chosen to succeed Professor Adrienne Clarke as Chairman of CSIRO.

Mr Allen, who was managing director of Woodside Petroleum from 1982-96 and chairman of the North-West Shelf Project for 15 years, will take up his new position on December 5, when Professor Clarke's term concludes.

Dr McIntosh paid tribute to Professor Clarke's enormous contribution to CSIRO during her ten years as board member and five years as chairman.

"She has really done a great deal for CSIRO. She was prepared to roll up her sleeves and help, much more than a chairman might be expected to do, when the Organisation was having its external troubles. She really worked extremely hard to overcome them.

"She has been a very good public representative and Chairman of the Board, but I think what will be remembered most is the way she helped in our hour of need."

Dr McIntosh said that there was universal pleasure in CSIRO at the selection of Mr Charles Allen as the new chairman, as he was well known to many of its scientific leaders.

"We think he will serve us extremely well. He has a solid science and engineering background, and is clearly a very capable individual. The feeling is he's just the man for CSIRO as we move into the 21st century, so we're delighted. I'm looking forward to working with him."

Professor Clarke said that she was delighted to be handing over to Mr Allen. "He will bring a wealth of experience in the practical application of science and engineering.

"I am completing a term of ten years' service on the CSIRO Board, five as a board member under Mr Neville Wran's chairmanship and five years as Chairman, and it is time for change.

"I hand over, satisfied that the Board has overseen the appointment of an outstanding new Chief Executive, Dr Malcolm McIntosh, that the new structure of the organisation is settling down, that the budget is secure and the Organisation is facing the future confidently.

"It has been a privilege to serve Australia, to serve science and to serve CSIRO over the last five years. It has also been a very special experience for me," Professor Clarke said.

Biographical details of the new Chairman are available on request, or on the Web at: /csiro/board2.html.

More Information: Julian Cribb 06 276 6244 Rosie Schmedding 06 276 6520