Heather is a leading figure in the public policy debate in Australia. She heads an organisation committed to helping Australian industry with a focus on building competitive and sustainable industries through global integration, skills development, productive and flexible workplace relations, infrastructure development and innovation.

She is a member of a number of key national policy setting and consultative groups including the National Workplace Relations Consultative Committee; Infrastructure Australia; and Skills Australia.

She was also a member of the Henry Tax Review, Business Roundtable on Climate Change, the Prime Minister's Business Taskforce on Flood Recovery and chaired the Productivity and Prosperity Advisory Panel of the Population Strategy Task Force.

Mrs Ridout has various other appointments including Director of the Australian Super Trustee Board, Sims Metal Management Ltd and the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth.

The Australian Industry Group is a leading employer association representing a broad range of Australian businesses including in manufacturing, construction, automotive, ICT, transport, defence, labour hire and other industries.