Minister appoints Energy Ombudsman Advisory Council Chair

Queensland Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson today announced the appointment of Queensland businesswoman Ms Karen Chalmers-Scott as the inaugural Chairperson of the Energy Ombudsman Advisory Council.

Ms Chalmers-Scott will head the Energy Ombudsman Advisory Council which will advise the government on the funding arrangements for the Energy Ombudsman Scheme.

The Council will also advise the Energy Ombudsman on the effective and efficient operation of the Energy Ombudsman Scheme.

Mr Wilson said the appointment was timely as the Queensland energy market moved towards full retail competition on 1 July.

“The appointment brings us another step closer to establishing a fair and equitable open market for household and small business consumers of electricity and natural gas,” he said.

Ms Chalmers-Scott welcomed the opportunity to work with the Energy Ombudsman Advisory Council and the Ombudsman.

“Retail competition will be driven by customer confidence,” Ms Chalmers-Scott said.

“More people are likely to take up market contracts knowing there is an independent body they can turn to.

“The Office of the Energy Ombudsman is an independent service that will act impartially on consumer issues brought to its attention.

“It is vital that the community and stakeholders have confidence in this impartiality,” she said.

Mr Wilson said Ms Chalmers-Scott would help establish the new Energy Ombudsman Office, which will start operating on 2 July.

“The Energy Ombudsman will continue the excellent work of the Energy Consumer Protection Office,” Mr Wilson said.

“The first task for Ms Chalmers-Scott will be to recommend parties to be appointed to the fill the remaining positions on the Council.

“The council will be made up of a chairperson and at least six other members.

“Ms Chalmers-Scott is currently seeking nominations for the remaining positions.

“The council’s advice will help ensure that the Energy Ombudsman Scheme is administered fairly for both energy consumers and their energy suppliers,” he said.

The advisory council’s functions will be to:

• monitor the Energy Ombudsman’s independence
• advise the Ombudsman on policy and procedural issues, the operation of the Energy Ombudsman Act 2006, the development of guidelines and the preparation of budgets
• advise the Minister on the funding of the Energy Ombudsman’s functions.

“The make up of the council will include an equal number of industry and consumer representatives,” Mr Wilson said.

The Energy Ombudsman will provide a free, fair, independent, effective and timely dispute resolution service for customers who cannot resolve a dispute directly with their energy retailer or distributor.

The Energy Ombudsman will also handle complaints about the marketing behaviour of retailers.

“The advisory council will provide an important service to ensure the Energy Ombudsman Scheme operates efficiently and effectively in providing this valuable service to Queensland energy users,” he said.

“Ms Chalmers-Scott brings a wealth of experience to her role as chairperson.

“She is director of consultancy firm Scott Concepts, has qualifications in education and business administration, and extensive practical experience in regulatory, commercial, consulting, advocacy and education roles, including in the energy sector.

“Her previous roles have included three years as General Manager Customer Affairs with the Victorian Government’s Office of the Regulator-General (now the Essential Services Commission), which means she has extensive experience of competition in the energy market.

“I look forward to Ms Chalmers-Scott’s contribution as we enter a new era in Queensland energy services.”

Media inquiries: Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332