The Chairman of the Industry Commission, Mr Bill Scales AO, will end his appointment at the end of February to take up the position of Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet in Victoria. I take this opportunity to thank him for his significant work as Chairman of the Industry Commission.
Mr Scales has made a significant contribution as Chairman of the Industry Commission during the past six years. He oversighted the move of the Commission's headquarters to Melbourne and the amalgamation of the Industry Commission, Bureau of Industry Economics and Economic Planning Advisory Commission to establish the Productivity Commission on an administrative basis. Importantly, he steered the activities of the Commission through a period of profound policy change in the Australian economy. His leadership of the Commission as a strong advocate of the benefits of economic reform has been particularly valuable.
Mr Scales will remain in his current position until the end of February. The Government will appoint a Chairman of the Productivity Commission who will have the opportunity to lead a well prepared organisation in its formative years. In the meantime, on Mr Scales' departure Mr Gary Banks, currently Executive Commissioner, will act as Chairman of the Industry Commission.
The Industry Commission plays a key role in providing public and independent analysis for Australian Governments and contributing to well-informed policy debate in the community. The Government accords high priority to the establishment of its successor, the Productivity Commission. The Government expects that the Senate will shortly pass the legislation establishing the Productivity Commission.