Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, Chris Bowen, today announced Mr Pat Walker as the Rudd Government's nominee for the new Petrol Commissioner.
Along with giving the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) formal monitoring powers over petrol prices, the appointment of a Petrol Commissioner forms a major part of the government's election commitment to promote competition and transparency in Australia's petrol market.
"Mr Walker's experience as the Commissioner for Consumer Protection and Prices Commissioner in Western Australia makes him an ideal candidate for the job," Mr Bowen said.
The full-time commissioner will predominantly be responsible for overseeing the ACCC's monitoring of the fuel prices in Australia as well providing an annual report on the ACCC's findings.
"In addition, I am also asking the ACCC and the new commissioner to commence a renewed focus on LPG and diesel prices to advise me on whether any further powers for the ACCC in this area are necessary or desirable," Mr Bowen said.
"Mr Walker has my full support in doing what is necessary to ensure that we have a fully competitive fuel market in Australia."
Unlike the Howard-Costello Government, focusing on petrol is an important priority for the Rudd Government due to the role petrol has on inflation and its impact on the family budget.
The new commissioner will hit the ground running with a lot of work to be done in response to the ACCC inquiry in the price of unleaded petrol including:
- undertaking a more detailed examination and on-going monitoring of buy–sell arrangements;
- completing an audit of terminals suitable for importing refined petrol into Australia, covering terminal capacity, use and leasing and sharing arrangements; and
- providing on-going monitoring of the use, leasing and sharing of terminals suitable for importing refined petrol into Australia.
The government is continuing to look seriously at the options raised by the ACCC in its recent report on petrol prices, including measures to increase retail price transparency.
The proposed appointment of Mr Walker as an ACCC Commissioner is subject to the approval of the Governor‑General and requires acceptance of at least four States and Territories.
16 February 2008
Media Contact: James Cullen - 0409 719 879
Pat Walker
Patrick Walker has extensive government experience. He comes to the ACCC after spending nearly 10 years as Western Australia's Commissioner for Consumer Protection. In this role he heads up an organisation of over 400 employees and takes an active role as the state's consumer watchdog.
Prior to this he headed local governments as CEO of the City of Subiaco and the Town of Narrogin from 1986 to 1998.
In addition Patrick has also served on the:
- Medical Board of Western Australia;
- The Legal Aid Commission; and
- The National Travel Compensation Fund.
He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.