NO.108

APPOINTMENTS TO THE PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION

The Treasurer, the Hon. Peter Costello, today announced the appointment to

the Productivity Commission of Robert Fitzgerald AM and Philip Weickhardt as

Commissioners.

Robert Fitzgerald has been appointed for a five year term, beginning 27 January

2004. He brings extensive social policy experience to his position as Commissioner.

He is currently the Community and Disability Services Commissioner and Deputy

Ombudsman in NSW. He was a member of the National Competition Council until

the end of November 2003.

Mr Fitzgerald served as an Associate Commissioner on the Productivity Commission’s

landmark inquiry into Australia’s gambling industries. He has also served

on a number of other government and community boards and inquiries.

Philip Weickhardt will join the Commission on a part-time basis for a five

year term. He has had extensive business expertise with ICI and then as CEO

of Orica Ltd. He chaired the Business Council of Australia’s Energy Reform

Taskforce and was a member of the Government’s Trade Policy Advisory Council.

He served as an Associate Commissioner of the Productivity Commission on the

recent inquiries into the Automotive and Textile, Clothing and Footwear industries.

Dr David Robertson’s appointment as a Commissioner expires today. I

have re-appointed Dr Robertson as an Associate Commissioner until 31 May 2004

to enable him to complete the current inquiry into First Home Ownership.

These appointments will help the Commission maintain its important work as

the Government’s principal advisory body on microeconomic policy and regulation.

MELBOURNE

12 December 2003

Contact: David Alexander

02 6277 7340