What’s Happening?
CS Energy has appointed Stephen Harty as its next Chief Executive Officer, with his term beginning on 28 September 2026. He will step down from the Board before taking up the position.
Mr Harty joined the CS Energy Board in 2023 and chaired its Safety and Environment Committee. Until very recently, he also served as Chief Executive Officer of GLNG.
Why It Matters
His appointment follows a year of improved performance across safety, maintenance, investment and plant availability. That progress gives Mr Harty a strong base as he moves into the senior leadership role.
Shareholding Ministers approved the appointment under section 92 of the Government Owned Corporations Act 1993. His existing knowledge of CS Energy will also support continuity during the leadership change.
Local Impact
CS Energy owns and operates power stations across Central and South West Queensland. It also operates Callide C Power Station for its joint venture participants.
Because these assets support electricity supply across Queensland, reliable performance affects families and businesses throughout the state. Mr Harty said safety, reliability and accountability would remain central to the company’s work.
“CS Energy plays an essential role in keeping the lights on for Queensland families and businesses, and I am honoured to be asked to lead it. My focus will be on the things that matter most: everyone going home safely, running our assets reliably, being transparent and accountable in how we operate, and making a strong contribution to the Queensland economy. Having served on the Board, I have seen first-hand the effort our people have put into building a safer, better CS Energy. My first job is to get out to our sites, listen to our teams and build on that work with them.”
By the Numbers
- Mr Harty brings more than 25 years of experience across operations, development, marketing and trading in several international energy markets.
- CS Energy achieved all nine Electricity Maintenance Guarantee targets for FY2026, covering safety, maintenance investment and plant performance.
- The company completed two major Callide C overhauls within schedule and budget, while also exceeding its summer availability target.
Zoom In
Mr Harty has previously held senior leadership positions with Australia Pacific LNG, ConocoPhillips and Qatargas. His career has covered Australia, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.
Acting Chair Jeff Seeney said Mr Harty’s industry background, internal knowledge and commitment to safety made him a strong appointment.
“Stephen is an outstanding appointment for CS Energy. He knows this business from the inside, he has a deep operational and commercial background in the energy sector, and he has a genuine commitment to safety. I also want to thank Tony Bellas for his leadership as Acting Chief Executive Officer. Tony stepped in at an important moment, kept the business focused and stable, and hands over an organisation with real momentum.”
Acting Chief Executive Officer Tony Bellas said a thorough selection process had identified Mr Harty as the right person for the role.
“CS Energy conducted a thorough process and is confident that Stephen is the right leader to build on the progress our people have delivered over the past 12 months. I want to thank Jeff Seeney for stepping up as Acting Chair while I have been serving as Acting Chief Executive Officer. Jeff’s experience and judgement have been invaluable to the Board and to me personally.”
Zoom Out
CS Energy is a Queensland Government owned company that generates and sells electricity through the National Electricity Market. Alongside its generation work, the company supplies electricity directly to business customers.
It is also developing firming, storage and renewable energy projects to support Queensland’s energy transition. These projects sit alongside its continuing responsibility for safe and reliable power generation.
What To Look For Next?
Mr Harty will begin visiting CS Energy sites and meeting employees after commencing on 28 September. He plans to listen to teams while continuing their work towards a safer and better business.
Tony Bellas will then resume his position as Chair of CS Energy, while Jeff Seeney returns as Deputy Chair. These changes will end the temporary leadership arrangements used during the transition period.
