An ex-federal Liberal National Party (LNP) politician, Trevor Evans, has been appointed as the interim CEO of Queensland’s 10-cent refund recycling program, following a turbulent period marked by allegations of misconduct. The announcement was made on Wednesday, as Evans steps into the leadership role at Container Exchange (COEX), the organization responsible for the “Containers for Change” initiative.
The appointment comes after a series of unsettling revelations last year, when an inquiry into the program led to 10 complaints being referred to the corruption watchdog. These complaints highlighted “disturbing” instances of alleged bullying, harassment, intimidation, and unfair business practices within the organization.
Leadership Transition at COEX
Evans takes over from Natalie Roach, whose three-year tenure as CEO concluded this month. The COEX board has indicated that a permanent CEO will be appointed later in the year, with recruitment efforts set to begin next month. The organization has not disclosed reasons for the delay in appointing a permanent successor.
A COEX spokesperson explained, “Following a mutual decision not to renew the previous CEO’s contract at the end of her term, the board has appointed Evans as Interim CEO to ensure continuity and stability.” Evans had previously served as a COEX Board advisor since September.
Under governance laws, the appointment of the chief executive is a board decision, although the environment minister is informed of such appointments.
Trevor Evans: A Background in Leadership and Environmental Management
Before his involvement with COEX, Evans was the chief executive of the National Retail Association. He represented the Brisbane electorate in the federal parliament from 2016 to 2022. During his time in office, Evans was appointed as the assistant minister for waste reduction and environmental management, serving under the current Liberal leader Sussan Ley.
Evans’ political career faced a setback in 2022 when he lost his seat to Green candidate Stephen Bates. Despite a robust campaign, he was unable to reclaim the seat in the 2025 election, which saw Labor’s Madonna Jarrett emerge victorious.
Since leaving office, Evans has engaged in various roles as a board member, advisor, and consultant, according to his LinkedIn profile, before assuming his current role at COEX in December.
Challenges and Future Prospects for the Recycling Scheme
The “Containers for Change” program, a cornerstone of Queensland’s environmental strategy, has faced significant scrutiny due to the recent allegations. The inquiry’s findings have raised concerns about the management practices within COEX and the potential impact on the program’s effectiveness.
Experts in environmental policy suggest that Evans’ experience in waste management could be pivotal in steering the organization through its current challenges. His prior role as assistant minister for waste reduction positions him well to address the systemic issues identified by the inquiry.
“The role of a CEO in such a critical program is not just administrative but also strategic,” noted Dr. Lisa Carter, a senior lecturer in environmental policy. “Evans’ appointment could signal a shift towards more robust governance and operational transparency.”
As COEX prepares for the recruitment of a permanent CEO, stakeholders are keenly observing how Evans will navigate the organization through this period of transition. The success of the “Containers for Change” program is crucial not only for environmental sustainability but also for maintaining public trust in government-led initiatives.
Looking ahead, the board’s decision on a permanent CEO will be a significant step in shaping the future of the recycling scheme. The outcome of this leadership transition will likely influence the program’s trajectory and its ability to meet Queensland’s environmental goals.
Stay informed with our Morning Edition newsletter, delivering a daily summary of the most important and interesting stories, analysis, and insights.
