October 2026
Your Board for 2026–27
Fresh faces, strong leadership
A new Vice President, a new director and familiar faces returning. Meet the Consult Australia Board for 2026–27, confirmed at the Annual General Meeting on 22 October.
Continuing President
Natalie Muir, Regional Director, Water, Stantec
Natalie brings more than 25 years’ experience across the water and environment sectors. She leads Stantec’s 400-strong national Water team and is Vice Chair of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) Sustainable Development Committee.
“Over the past year we’ve built real momentum on our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan. In the year ahead, we’ll build on that through sharper advocacy, stronger partnerships and a better operating environment for consultants, while leaning further into our Consulting Excellence pillar to lift capability across our industry,” Natalie says.
“I’m delighted to welcome David as Vice President, Austen to the Board, and Emily and Tamsin back for another term. There’s plenty still to do, but I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and I’m looking forward to continuing that work with our members.”
New Vice President
David Barter, Market Director, Defence and National Security, Beca
David steps into the Vice President role with more than two decades of consulting experience across defence, transport, water and resources. He leads Beca’s Defence and National Security market across Australia and the Indo-Pacific and is a former Chair of Consult Australia’s Defence Roundtable.
“I’m honoured to be appointed Vice President of Consult Australia,” David says. “Our industry has an important role to play in shaping Australia’s future, and I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the sector to strengthen our collective voice, tackle the challenges ahead and help create the conditions for our industry and our people to thrive.”
Welcoming our new director
Austen Shoebotham, Senior Executive, Highways & Roads, APAC, Arcadis
Austen brings 25 years of experience in consulting engineering, spanning major infrastructure design, project delivery and business leadership. He leads Arcadis’ Highways & Roads sector across Australia, India and the Philippines.
“I’m passionate about championing the vital work that consultants undertake in delivering Australia’s critical infrastructure. Improving the operating environment for consultants and strengthening relationships with our peer organisations is key to more productive, beneficial outcomes for society.”
Returning for another term
Emily Sunman, Chief Legal and Risk Officer, Aurecon
Emily is a member of Aurecon’s Group Executive Leadership Team, overseeing legal, risk, insurance, quality and sustainability. She brings extensive experience in corporate governance and embedding sustainability into business operations.
Tamsin McLean, Principal, Activate Strategy Group
With 20 years’ experience working with design firms in the built environment, Tamsin is a proud advocate of diversity of gender, culture, and ideas. She is passionate about digital innovation and collaboration and developing industry capability.
Continuing directors
Rachel Nicholls, Principal, Arup
With more than 30 years’ experience in geotechnical engineering and design management, Rachel leads multidisciplinary teams on major infrastructure projects. She is a former Chair of Consult Australia’s Victorian Committee.
Sam McWilliam, Managing Director of Transport, WSP
Since joining WSP in 2004, Sam has worked across Australia and South East Asia on several city-shaping transport projects, including Sydney Metro. She is passionate about forming large, diverse teams to achieve great project and operational outcomes.
Alexandra Wright, Regional General Manager, GHD Western Australia
A civil engineer with more than 20 years’ experience, Alexandra has managed projects ranging from small-scale engagements to major alliances across both private and public sectors. She has served on GHD’s board strategy and finance committees and as a Director of GHD Pty Ltd.
Outgoing director
Guy Pinzone, Director of Growth, Turnbull Engineering
Consult Australia also farewells Guy Pinzone, from the Board. “Guy has been a strong advocate for consulting businesses and the people who work in them,” says Consult Australia CEO Jonathan Cartledge.
“Guy’s industry experience, commercial perspective and commitment to Consult Australia have made a valuable contribution to our Board. We thank him for his service and wish him every success.”
Read Consult Australia’s 2025-2026 Annual Report and 2025-2028 Strategic Plan.