Dawkins will be joined on the board by Peter Meers, who will be Tiaro’s new executive deputy chairman and new chief executive Dan Buckley, as the company seeks to expand its presence in the emerging Maryborough basin.

“Dawkins brings to Tiaro Coal a wealth of governance experience, including prominent roles in public and private institutions,” the company said in a statement.

Dawkins' experience in the mining industry began as minister for trade (1984- 1987) in the Hawke government, where he proposed the abolition of export controls to improve the operation of the market.

During his time in government, Dawkins served in a number of other portfolios including minister for finance (1983-1984) and treasurer (1991- 1993) in the Keating government.

He now chairs the Australian Qualifications Framework Council and the board of governors of the Institute for International Trade and the unlisted Government Board of Relations Australia Advisory.

Dawkins is also the chairman of listed exploration company’s Sovereign Gold and Australian Bauxite.

“The board has appointed a CEO with specialised coal development and commercialisation experience,” the company said.

“The CEO will hold a seat on the board. Tiaro Coal has similarly moved to strengthen its commercial, government and stakeholder relations, through the appointment of Peter Meers as deputy executive chairman and the Hon John Dawkins AO as non-executive director.”

Meers role will focus on commercialisation and corporate development within Tiaro Coal.

“Mr Meers has broad experience across a range of industries, including financial services (consumer, commercial and investment banking, securities trading and origination), mining and exploration and building materials,” the company said.