Born in Deniliquin in south-western NSW, she later attended the University of Sydney. She is a member of several policy-setting and advice-giving groups including Skills Australia. Heather Ridout was also a member of the Henry Tax Review[3] and chaired the Productivity and Prosperity Advisory Panel of the Population Strategy Task Force.[4]
Heather Ridout has various other appointments including Director of the Australian Super Trustee Board[5] and the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth.[6] She member of the board of the Climate Change Authority.[7]
In her former role with Ai Group, Ridout had a vigorous media presence, appearing on Network 10's Meet the Press programme,[8] the ABC's Lateline and Q&A programmes,[9][10] and various other radio and television shows.[11] In November 2011, Ridout gave a televised address to the National Press Club of Australia on the choices Australia faces and challenges we need to confront to create a positive agenda and a positive future for the nation.[12]
Ridout was made an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia on 10 June 2013.[13]
^Wong, Penny (20 December 2022). "Consul-General in New York". Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government. Archived from the original(Media Release) on 26 December 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2022.