Queensland Transport Minister Scott Emerson said Klug would be chairman and help deliver the Newman Government’s commitment to improve rail services.

“Michael has vast board experience and with his leadership will help steer Queensland Rail to deliver better services for passengers,” Emerson said.

“I also look forward to having John on the board, in a position where the organisation can draw from his previous experience and assist in driving improvements across the business.

“Since we came to government we have seen Queensland Rail’s performance in reliability reached a decade high, after falling to a three year low in the final months under Labor and I look forward to continuing to deliver strong performance for passengers.”

Mickel served as a member of the Queensland Parliament for almost 14 years, during which time he spent three years as Speaker and held numerous ministerial portfolios, including transport.

He retired from politics at the March 2012 election and was recently tasked with reviewing Trade and Investment Queensland.

Klug practises in the area of Alternative Dispute Resolution.

He has practised law for more than 35 years and recently concluded his third term as Partner in Charge of the Brisbane office of Clayton Utz.

Klug is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mickel and Klug will replace Merren McArthur and Dawson Petie.