Mike Taylor

Mike Taylor is the current Chair of the Gardiner Foundation and was previously the part time Chair of the Murray Darling Basin Authority.

Prior to this appointment Mike has had more than 15 years of extensive experience at chief executive level. This included that of Secretary to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, regional services and Local Government (2007-09), Secretary to the Department of Transport and Regional Services - Australia (2004-07) and Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry – Australia (2000-04). 

Prior to 2000 he was Secretary for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (1996-2000) and before that, he was responsible for the leadership and management of two other Departments for the Government of Victoria(1992-1996). He was also Chief Executive of the Australian Dairy Industry Council (1991-92).

Mike is a member of the Melbourne University-Melbourne Business School Board of Directors (2008-), a Member, of the Crawford Fund Board of Directors (2001- ) supporting international agricultural research, and a Member, of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (2004- ) providing support to rural communities.