The Coalition Government is pleased to announce the appointments of Dr Catherine de Fontenay, Ms Lisa Gropp and Dr Malcolm Roberts and the reappointment of Mr Paul Lindwall as Commissioners of the Productivity Commission for five year terms.
Dr de Fontenay is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Melbourne, with research interests in business behaviour, macroeconomics and international trade. As an academic economist, Dr de Fontenay will bring significant skills and capabilities to the Commission.
Ms Lisa Gropp has held senior positions at the Productivity Commission and was most recently the Business Council of Australia’s Chief Economist. Ms Gropp has deep experience in applied economic research and the development of public policy focusing on national economic capability and productivity.
Dr Roberts, who has significant experience across industry and energy policy, has been appointed as an Industry Specialist Commissioner. He has held senior executive roles in retail, housing and energy peak bodies including most recently as the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association.
Mr Paul Lindwall is an experienced Commissioner who has led inquiries on infrastructure, telecommunications and agriculture. Mr Lindwall has previously served as a senior official with Australian Treasury and represented Australia at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He has served on the Commission since 2015.
These appointments will enhance the Productivity Commission’s capacity to provide advice on economic, social and environmental matters affecting the welfare of all Australians.
Ms Gropp and Dr Roberts will commence their terms on 1 May 2019 and Dr de Fontenay will start on 1 July 2019.
The Government also wishes to thank Mr Robert Fitzgerald AM for his significant contribution to the Commission since 2004.