Alison Smith

As CEO, Alison is responsible for leading a diverse team of professionals at the LGAQ, which is the peak body for local government across Queensland. The LGAQ has been advising, supporting and representing local councils since 1896, enabling them to improve their operations and strengthen relationships with their communities. Between 2007-2020, Alison has worked with ASX-100 companies, heading their corporate affairs functions. Alison was Group Executive External Affairs at The Star Entertainment Group, and previously held media and corporate affairs roles at Rio Tinto’s coal and uranium businesses in Australia, Africa, and Canada. Alison has worked in the public and private sectors in ICT, transport, energy, police, and corrective services. She also spent 14 years as a journalist, working in newspapers, radio, and television, before being a senior media advisor in the Queensland Government for two terms. Alison is currently a director on the Peak Services and Queensland Tourism Industry Council boards. Her past board roles have included Chair of the Brisbane Festival (2019-2022).