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Mick Keogh will replace Dr Michael Schaper as deputy chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) from the end of May for a period of five years.
Mr Keogh was appointed as ACCC’s agriculture commissioner in 2016, and he will continue to perform his agriculture responsibilities throughout his five-year term as deputy chair.
Mr Morrison said that he believes Mr Keogh’s experience leaves him well placed to perform his new role.
“[Mr Keogh] has a strong understanding of the competition issues affecting small businesses, particularly from his experience running a small business as the manager of a family beef cattle farm,” Mr Morrison noted.
ACCC chairman Rod Sims also welcomed the appointment, saying: “Mick’s vast experience working with small businesses in the agriculture sector will greatly assist him in his new role working with small business right across the economy. I look forward to working closely with Mick as deputy chair.”
Mr Morrison and Mr Sims also thanked outgoing deputy chair Dr Schaper for his service.
“Dr Schaper has served for 10 years in this role, during which time he has made a strong and highly regarded contribution to the commission’s work, particularly on matters affecting small business,” the Treasurer said.
Mr Sims added: “Michael Schaper has made an outstanding contribution to the ACCC as deputy chair over the past decade.
“Michael has been an invaluable advocate for small businesses and franchises throughout his service, and his passion, tenacity and advocacy will be greatly missed.”
Mr Sims added that the outgoing deputy chair had been an “essential and effective conduit between the ACCC and a large number of business organisations across Australia”.
Board reappointments
Sarah Court and Cristina Cifuentes have also been reappointed as commissioners for additional five-year terms.
Ms Court was appointed to the ACCC in 2008, and she has overseen the competition watchdog’s enforcement and litigation program.
Ms Cifuentes, who was appointed to the ACCC in 2013, has overseen its regulatory role in telecommunications, wheat ports, rail and water.
“I congratulate Mr Keogh, Ms Court and Ms Cifuentes and look forward to each of them continuing to make a significant contribution to the important work of the ACCC,” Mr Morrison said.
Likewise, Mr Sims commented: “Cristina has an extraordinary breadth of regulatory experience and her reappointment highlights that she’s one of Australia’s leading infrastructure regulators. Cristina brings a deep knowledge, in particular, across all forms of infrastructure, banking and energy to the commission.
“Sarah’s reappointment is a testament to her dedication and effectiveness throughout the past 10 years at the ACCC, and to her wise counsel on so many issues. Sarah strategically and ably leads our enforcement activities and plays key roles in many other areas such as mergers, financial services and agriculture.
“I am delighted to continue working with such capable and experienced colleagues.”
Deputy chair Keogh will commence his term on 30 May 2018, becoming full-time, and will work alongside deputy chair Delia Rickard.
Commissioners Cifuentes and Court and will commence their terms on 30 May 2018 and 1 May 2018, respectively.
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