I am pleased to announce the reappointments of Mr David Crawford as the part-time Council President of the National Competition Council (NCC) and Ms Virginia Hickey as a part-time Councillor of the NCC each for a further three-year period and Mr Stephen King as a part-time Councillor of the NCC for a four-year period. The reappointments have received majority support of the States and Territories.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of Dr Douglas McTaggart whose term expired on 17 December 2012 and convey the Government's appreciation for the time and commitment he has given as a part time Councillor of the NCC for the past twelve years.
The NCC is an advisory body which was established in 1995 by agreement of the Council of Australian Governments. The NCC's main function is to make recommendations under the National Access Regime in Part IIIA of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and recommendations and decisions under the National Gas Law.
These reappointments ensure the NCC continues to have a high level of skill and experience to call on in fulfilling its important role.