Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Warren Truss confirmed he had approved the interim appointment, as recommended by former IA chair Sir Rod Eddington and new chair Mark Birrell.

“Mr Fitzgerald is held in high regard across both the public and private sector and has significant experience in both sectors in senior infrastructure and finance leadership roles,” Truss said.

As acting infrastructure coordinator, Fitzgerald will help identify nationally significant infrastructure projects and determine necessary economic and procurement reforms to enable governmental funding for projects.

“The Australian government is committed to enhancing the independence and scope of Infrastructure Australia, entrenching its role as a key adviser to government,” Truss said.

Fitzgerald will take a leave of absence from his role as KPMG specialist infrastructure adviser to work at IA.

“I look forward to working with Mr Fitzgerald to build the infrastructure of the future and thank the previous acting infrastructure coordinator Rory Brennan for his work ahead of Mr Fitzgerald's appointment,” Truss said.

The Australian Parliament is considering the Infrastructure Australia Amendment Bill, which is seeking to abolish the position of infrastructure coordinator and establish a CEO role.

Fitzgerald will work as acting infrastructure coordinator until legislation is passed.