NO.070

ACCC APPOINTMENT CONSULTATION

Under the Conduct Code Agreement of the National Competition Policy agreed

in 1995, the Commonwealth on 9 October 2002 gave notice to the States and Territories

(the States) that it desired to put forward Mr Graeme Samuel, A.O. and Mr Ed

Willett for appointment by the Governor-General to the Australian Competition

and Consumer Commission (ACCC) as Deputy Chairman and Commissioner respectively.

Following the conclusion of the specified 35 days which the States had to consider

the nominations, three jurisdictions supported Mr Samuel’s nomination. Five

jurisdictions opposed it. Consequently, Mr Samuel will not be recommended to

the Governor-General for appointment.

Seven jurisdictions supported Mr Willett’s nomination. One jurisdiction opposed

it. Consequently, the Commonwealth will recommend to the Governor-General that

Mr Willett be appointed as a Commissioner of the ACCC.

Shortly I will be writing to the States and Territories giving notice of the

Commonwealth’s intention to fill a vacancy in the position of ACCC Chair from

1 July 2003 and a vacancy in the position of Deputy Chair.

This will provide the jurisdictions with 35 days to suggest suitable people

to fill the vacancies.

When the Commonwealth has a person or persons who it desires to put to the

Governor-General it will send notice to the States which will have 35 days in

which to advise the Commonwealth whether they support the proposed nominations.

Should a majority of the States support the proposed nominations, the Commonwealth

will recommend the names to the Governor-General for appointment.

19 November 2002

CANBERRA

Contact: Niki Savva

02 6277 7340