The Gillard Government has nominated Rod Sims to become the next Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Today I have written to the States and Territories nominating Mr Sims and seeking their majority support for the proposed appointment, as required under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and the 1995 Conduct Code Agreement with the States and Territories. Should that support be received, the Government intends to recommend to the Governor-General that Mr Sims be appointed for five years, commencing August 1.
Mr Sims is an eminent Australian economist, with deep knowledge and experience in advising on the competitive dynamics of industries across our economy. Mr Sims is highly regarded for the breadth of his work and leadership in both the private and public sector.
I take this opportunity to thank Graeme Samuel for his years of committed public service as chairman of the ACCC, and his extraordinary contribution to Australian competition policy and the protection of consumer rights. I wish Mr Samuel well in the future.
As a Director of Port Jackson Partners Limited since 1994, Mr Sims has advised Australian business in a range of industries on mergers and infrastructure access issues, while also acting as an adviser to the Business Council of Australia on a wide range of public policy issues.
Mr Sims currently holds a range of other positions including:
- Chairman of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of New South Wales;
- Councillor of the National Competition Council;
- Expert Adviser to the Prime Minister's Multi-Party Climate Change Committee; and
- Member of the Research and Policy Council of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia.
Mr Sims has previously worked for the Australian Government, including as the Deputy Secretary in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and Deputy Secretary responsible for Transport in the Department of Transport and Communications.