The Treasurer, today, announced the appointment of Mr Graeme Samuel as President, and Mr Robert Fitzgerald, Mr David Crawford, Dr Doug McTaggart and Dr Wendy Craik as Councillors, of the National Competition Council (NCC) on a part-time basis until 30 November 2003.
"These appointments bring with them extensive experience in legal, economic, public administration, commercial and consumer protection issues," the Treasurer said.
"There are also considerable benefits to ensuring continuity in the NCC’s operations in the lead up to the challenging third tranche period for National Competition Policy, as represented by the re-appointment of Mr Samuel, Mr Crawford and Mr Fitzgerald."
"The new appointments of Dr McTaggart and Dr Craik will similarly strengthen the Council’s effectiveness, particularly as Governments continue into the sensitive area of water reform, with its significant economic, rural and environmental implications."
Dr McTaggart has a distinguished academic and public service career. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Investment Corporation, and was previously Under Treasurer and Under Secretary of Queensland Treasury.
Dr Craik was previously Executive Director of the National Farmers’ Federation and Executive Officer of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. She is currently Chair of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
‘I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Elizabeth Nosworthy and Dr Paul Moy for their past efforts as Councillors.
Background
The National Competition Council was created in November 1995. Its core statutory functions are to advise on access to significant infrastructure services under the Trade Practices Act 1974, and on whether State and Territory government businesses should be subject to prices surveillance by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission under the Prices Surveillance Act 1983.
The Council also has a variety of roles under the three National Competition Policy agreements signed by all Australian Governments in April 1995. This includes assessing whether States and Territories have met the conditions necessary to receive Competition Payments from the Commonwealth.
The Council consists of a President and up to four other Councillors – who are qualified by virtue of their knowledge of, or experience in, industry, commerce, economics, law, consumer protection or public administration — appointed by the Governor-General. A person may not be proposed to the Governor-General for appointment without the support of a majority of the States and Territories that are parties to the Competition Principles Agreement.
Appointments are made on a part-time basis for a period of up to five years.
Following the recent appointments, the Council comprises:
President:
Mr Graeme Samuel AO
Councillors:
Mr Robert Fitzgerald AM
Mr David Crawford
Dr Wendy Craik
Dr Doug McTaggart