New QPC head to drive productivity improvements for Queensland

The Palaszczuk Government has appointed energy market and utility specialist Kim Wood as Principal Commissioner of the new Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC).

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the former Stanwell Corporation CEO would take up his new position on 1 October 2015.

“With his extensive knowledge of regulated industries and commercial operations, Mr Wood brings a strong set of capabilities to the role,” he said.

“He is currently Managing Director of New South Wales utility Hunter Water and has served in a number of CEO roles for large water and electricity utilities across Australia.

“These include senior roles at Victoria’s City West Water, GPU PowerNet and Queensland’s Stanwell Corporation.”

Mr Pitt said the Palaszczuk Government established the QPC as an independent and expert review body to propose policy reforms to Government.

“This is part of our election commitment to establish a specialist, standalone body to investigate complex economic and regulatory issues,” he said.

“The new QPC will develop policy solutions to lift our State’s productivity, improve living standards and drive growth.

“The Government has already announced that the first major task of the QPC will be an inquiry into electricity prices.

“In parallel to the electricity pricing inquiry, the Commission will also conduct an inquiry into a fair price for solar.

“This inquiry will investigate the public and private benefits of rooftop solar, including social, economic and environmental benefits.

“These inquiries are a key part of our commitment to build the renewable energy industry in Queensland.

“I encourage Queenslanders to have their say and participate in the reviews.”

Both the electricity pricing and solar reviews are expected to report in the first half of 2016.

The Terms of Reference for the inquiry into a fair price for solar are now available online at the Queensland Productivity Commission website. 

To view the Terms of Reference, visit http://www.qpc.qld.gov.au/

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548