The curious case of The Wave contractors and a new consulting firm
Sydney Morning Herald
by Matt Dennien, James HallMarch 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article highlights the curious case of two former Cross River Rail officials, Ted Williams and David Kalinowski, who have transitioned to new roles with The Wave project while also launching their own consultancy, Nexus Infrastructure Partners. Their simultaneous move from a near-completed project to a high-profile infrastructure initiative has sparked intrigue in public sector circles. While the Queensland government clarified that they are contractors rather than employees, the dual roles have raised questions about the state's reliance on consultants and whether this approach undermines efforts to streamline public sector operations.
The Wave project aims to connect Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast with a rail and light rail alternative. Williams and Kalinowski were appointed as commercial directors through an open tender process, bypassing traditional employment routes. Their new consultancy, Nexus Infrastructure Partners, positions them as senior commercial leaders in complex infrastructure programs, offering expertise without the overhead of larger advisory firms. This dual role underscores a broader trend in Queensland's public sector, where consultants are increasingly favored over government employees, despite ongoing attempts to reduce reliance on external contractors.
The article also touches on the new Human Rights Commission head, Debbie Platz, who is shifting the commission toward a less combative approach. Her tenure marks a potential shift in how human rights issues involving public institutions, such as police, are addressed. Platz emphasized her commitment to handling conflicts of interest transparently, aligning with broader concerns about accountability and impartiality.
Overall, the case of Williams and Kalinowski highlights key challenges facing Queensland's public sector, including transparency in contracting, the efficiency of infrastructure projects, and the balance between government and private sector roles. Their dual appointments raise questions about whether this model prioritizes expertise over potential conflicts of interest, while Platz's approach to human rights underscores evolving priorities for public institutions. These developments are significant for readers interested in governance, infrastructure, and human rights, offering insights into how these issues are being navigated in modern Queensland.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 3/2/2026