NO.144

TREASURER ANNOUNCES NATIONAL COMPETITION COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS

The Treasurer today announced the appointment of Mr David Crawford as President, and the reappointment of Dr Douglas McTaggart, Ms Virginia Hickey and Mr Rodney Sims as Councillors, of the National Competition Council on a part-time basis for a period of three years.

All appointments to the Council have received majority support of the States and Territories. The appointees have extensive experience in industry, law, economics and public administration.

Mr Crawford has been a Councillor of the National Competition Council since 1999 and Acting President since 2004. Mr Crawford has extensive business experience and he is currently Chairman of Westralia Airports Corporation and Exports Grain Centre.

Dr McTaggart has been a Councillor of the National Competition Council since 2000. Dr McTaggart has had 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.

Ms Hickey has been a Councillor of the National Competition Council since 2003. Ms Hickey has a strong commercial law background. She is currently Principal of Luma Corporate Governance Consulting and a Commissioner of the National Transport Commission. Ms Hickey was formerly a partner of Finlaysons Lawyers in Adelaide.

Mr Sims has been a Councillor of the National Competition Council since 2003. Mr Sims has extensive experience in the areas of commerce, economics and public administration. He is currently a business consultant and director of Port Jackson Partners Ltd. He previously served as Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Department of Transport and Communications.

Background

The National Competition Council was established in November 1995. Its functions include giving advice on access to significant infrastructure services under the Trade Practices Act 1974.

The terms of the above appointments expire on 17 December 2009.

MELBOURNE

22 December 2006

Contact: Renae Stoikos

03 9650 0244