Sheree Harrison(Opens in a new tab/window) is the NRFC's inaugural Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary. In a legal career spanning more than 20 years, Sheree has significant experience as a legal advisor within the financial services and government sectors, including her previous role as a Director at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).
We sat down with Sheree to find out more about her role at the NRFC and the importance of balancing legal precision with commercial and strategic insights.
Can you tell us about your role as Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary – what are your key responsibilities and focus areas?
In my role at the NRFC, I am in a privileged position – I work with great people, traverse interesting legal and operational issues and challenges, and help the business invest wisely and with positive impact.
At heart, my job is about balancing legal precision with commercial and strategic insights and enabling our people to do their best work.
Positioning the Chief Legal Officer Group as an enabler and trusted advisor is key to delivering on these focus areas. The team’s mission is to work alongside and with the business – championing integrity and accountability – to ensure it can confidently undertake its functions, including the delivery of strong, eligible investments and contractual arrangements – arrangements that are aligned with our purpose, mandate, and overall mission.
How does the NRFC differ to other organisations that you’ve worked in previously?
Actually, there are more similarities than differences. Looking back on my career, I’ve noticed that the roles I’ve enjoyed the most are the ones where I feel I can genuinely make a difference. And my role at the NRFC is one of those.
It’s rewarding to be part of something that contributes to Australia’s national interests, our community, and the greater good. It's legacy building and it feels like the work matters.
Can you tell us a little bit about your career journey so far?
My introduction to the workforce began at 15 as a checkout ‘chick’ at Target. A school holiday shift in the store’s warehouse sorting plastic coat hangers made me realise that, whilst it was an important job to be sure, my future lay elsewhere.
Whilst not immediately clear what my path was, the kernels had started to grow as I headed into university. And it was there that my sense of ambition crystallised. How I hear you ask? Well, watching a blockbuster action film of course!* Whilst jumping out of a helicopter and operating in the world of espionage was alluring, it was really the film’s themes – of justice, courage, and contributing to a greater cause – that resonated with me strongly.
Not long after, I found myself embedded in a joint task force as a Federal Agent with the code-name ‘scary’. This role had me operating at the intersection of public policy and national service. Undertaking investigations, interacting with the government at the highest of levels, and being part of the mission everyday to ensure the security of Australia and its national interests (albeit there were limited opportunities to jump out of a helicopter).
This role was pivotal in creating a deeper sense of purpose and not only shaped my understanding of leadership, teamwork, and resilience, but also reinforced the importance of contributing to something greater than oneself.
Following that I spent several years in the private sector refining my commercial and legal skills. However, I was drawn back to impact-driven work. As a Director at the CEFC, first in Legal then in Investments, I have been at the forefront of Australia’s energy transition, blending innovation, investment, and public policy. Now at the NRFC, where we're supporting the transformation and diversification of the Australian economy, I feel that every step of my career has prepared me for delivering on the NRFC’s mission.
* The well-known motivational film “True Lies,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger – a Hollywood star and former Californian Governor (for the benefit of the younger ones amongst us).
What is the best leadership advice you have ever received?
I have been fortunate to have been the beneficiary of wisdom and support from a number of impressive men and women throughout my career. I don't recall who shared this with me, but it remains a strong 'north star': "Be credible, be kind, and be authentic".
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
A fun fact most people wouldn’t guess is that my heritage is from Papua New Guinea, and my great-grandmother was the matriarch of her tribe in Port Moresby. I never knew her, but the story goes she was a strong, tough but fair leader – and I like to think that this legacy has contributed to my own strength and resilience. I also suspect it is why I'm drawn to the mountains and why I love the Queensland tropical heat!
When you are not working at the NRFC, how do you like to unwind and recharge?
Outside of work at the NRFC, I reset by staying active and connecting with people I care about –whether it’s pushing through a gym session, trekking to a summit, or dancing around the lounge room with my niece. And I love wrapping up the week by sharing a good meal (that I didn't cook) with friends and family.
If you'd like to connect or learn more, you can reach out to Sheree Harrison(Opens in a new tab/window) via LinkedIn.