NO.067

Joint Press Release
Treasurer and the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Trade

AUSTRALIAN CANDIDATE FOR TOP OECD POST

The Australian Government is pleased to announce the candidacy of Professor Allan Fels AO for the position of Secretary General of the OECD.

The Government’s support for Professor Fels’ candidacy reflects the role he has played in Australia’s economic performance over the last decade. In particular, during his period as Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Professor Fels was a key figure in the Australian Government’s competition reform achievements. The OECD acknowledged these achievements in its recent Economic Survey on Australia, where Australia was recognised as a model for other OECD countries, including in relation to structural reform and Australia’s deep-seated competition culture. Australia’s nomination of a high calibre candidate is also an indication of the Government’s commitment to the OECD as a source of impetus for continuing reform in the international economy.

In submitting the nomination of Professor Fels , the Government is emphasising Professor Fels’ standing as a national leader in economic policy development and debate. Professor Fels was Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission between 1995 and 2003, making a major contribution to competition policy reform and enforcement. Professor Fels’ work is already well-known and highly-regarded at the OECD. The OECD would benefit from Professor Fels’ commitment as a determined advocate of reform, as well as from his communications skills.

Professor Fels is currently Dean of the Australia-New Zealand School of Government, a world-class institution with a substantial research component. This experience would serve him well at the OECD.

Nominations for the position of Secretary General have now formally closed. A selection process will commence in September, with the new Secretary General taking up the position following the departure of the current Secretary General, Mr Donald Johnston, in May 2006. 

22 July 2005

Contact:
David Alexander, Treasurer’s Office 02 6277 7340 or 0418 210 601

Carissa Buckland, Mr Vaile’s Office 02 6277 7420 or 0418 255 981