Treasurer announces changes to QCA board structure

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade Tim Nicholls today congratulated Dr Malcolm Roberts on his appointment as chairman of the Queensland Competition Authority.

Dr Roberts takes over from Brian Parmenter on a three-year term starting in January 2013.

“Dr Roberts comes to the role with significant experience in public policy and economic regulation,” Mr Nicholls said.

“After being educated at the University of Queensland to PhD level, Dr Roberts subsequently worked in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet during the 1990s focussing on competition and industry policy.

“He has been a senior adviser to several Commonwealth Government Ministers and most recently held the offices of executive director of the National Generators Forum and chief executive of the Energy Networks Association.”

Mr Nicholls said Dr Roberts would be the first full-time chairman of the QCA.

“The Newman Government has decided to reform the structure of the QCA board into one full-time chairman and two part-time members instead of a part-time chairman and four part-time members,” he said.

“This reflects the importance the Newman Government places on the chairman’s role and allows him more time to consider important competition policy.”

The change in board structure means Queensland now has a system reflective of other major Australian economic regulators.

Mr Nicholls thanked outgoing chairman Professor Parmenter for his seven years of service to the QCA as both a board member and chairman.

“Since being appointed chairman in 2007, Prof Parmenter has brought considerable professionalism and leadership to the role,” he said.

“Prof Parmenter ensured the QCA operated at a high level of economic rigour and this was reflected in the body’s determinations.

“He ably led the QCA through a period of growth and expanding workload and leaves the statutory authority in a strong position to continue administering economic regulation in Queensland.”

[ENDS] 6 December 2012

Media Contact: Treasurer’s Office 3224 6900