Prominent Perth commercial barrister Ms Celia Searle has been appointed a member of the Takeovers Panel.
Her appointment and the re-appointment of six current members, including President Mr Simon McKeon, were announced today by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Senator Ian Campbell.
The others are Ms Meredith Hellicar, Ms Alice McCleary, Mr Simon Mordant, Ms Fiona Roche and Mrs Nerolie Withnall. Their appointment is for three years on a part-time basis.
Ms Searle has had more than 15 years' experience with leading WA commercial law firms and for the past three years has worked from Wickham Chambers, specialising in complex taxation, corporate, commercial and superannuation issues.
"Her very wide and extensive commercial knowledge and experience will be valuable assets to the Panel," Senator Campbell said.
Senator Campbell said the re-appointment of Mr McKeon as President would be welcomed by the business community.
"Under Simon's leadership, the Panel has demonstrated its ability to resolve takover issues in an efficient and timely manner. All members of the Panel are to be congratulated on their work and commitment."
The Takeovers Panel - formerly the Corporations and Securities Panel -- was formed in March 2000 as part of the Corporate Law and Economic Reform Program (CLERP).
Senator Campbell said the Panel has been a significant and measurable success of the CLERP takeover reforms.
"Since its inception the Panel has received 56 applications - 20 in 2000, 30 last year and six so far this year," he said. "The average time from application to decision is 14 days, which is a very impressive result given the complexity of issues."
Perth
11 April 02
Contact: Wayne Grant in Senator Campbell's office 08 9425 1755 or 0407 845280