Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury today announced a number of important appointments to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
"I am pleased to announce that the Administrator acting on behalf of the Governor-General has appointed Dr Michael Schaper, Ms Sarah Court and Ms Cristina Cifuentes as Commissioners of the ACCC, after they were approved by a majority of States and Territories," said Mr Bradbury.
Dr Schaper's reappointment as full-time Commissioner and Deputy Chair for a further period of five years guarantees that the Government will continue to deliver on its commitment to ensuring that there is a permanent voice for small business at the ACCC.
Ms Court's reappointment as full-time Commissioner for a further period of five years recognises the value of her experience in restrictive trade practices law, consumer protection law, and law enforcement litigation.
Ms Cifuentes' appointment as full-time Commissioner for a period of five years will mean that the ACCC will continue to have deep energy networks and market regulation knowledge and experience. Ms Cifuentes is eminently suitable to take up the role of full-time Commissioner, following her roles at the Australian Energy Regulator and the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.
Ms Cifuentes' appointment from the end of May 2013 will follow the departure of ACCC Commissioner Mr Ed Willett, who has served as a Commissioner of the ACCC for ten years and as a member of the Australian Energy Regulator since its establishment in 2005. Mr Willett's wealth of experience in the competition policy arena has been a true asset and his service with the ACCC is greatly appreciated.