Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, INDUSTRY NEWS: Australian Competition Commissioner Joe Dimasi to leave ACCC, (Jul 29, 2013)

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission Commissioner Joe Dimasi has chosen not to seek reappointment to the Commission, the ACCC announced today. Dimasi has indicated he will depart the Commission in August.

Dimasi’s decision will bring to a close his tenure as one of the leaders of Australia’s antitrust authority. As Commissioner since November 2008, Dimasi chaired the ACCC’s Access Regulation and Pricing committee, which oversees regulation in a range of areas, including transport, water, and wheat ports. Dismasi also possessed responsibility for overseeing the ACCC’s monitoring of fuel prices, and for keeping the Australian government and public notified about factors affecting the prices. He was also a member of the ACCC’s Mergers Review Committee.

Before taking up his post as Commissioner, Dimasi was the first head of the ACCC’s Regulatory Division from March 1996 to 2008. In that role, he oversaw the establishment of the ACCC’s regulatory functions following competition policy reform in the early 1990s.

“Bringing his economic credentials to all his roles, Joe has, in particular, made a major contribution over nearly two decades to the ACCC’s work in promoting the economically efficient operation of and investment in monopoly infrastructure in Australia,” said Sims.

Following Dimasi’s announcement, the Australian government issued a press release, noting “the importance of petrol prices to the Australian community and the economy” and stating that ACCC Chairman Rod Sims would take over Dimasi’s role as fuel price monitor. The government indicated its intent to seek nominations for a new Commissioner shortly.

News: IndustryNewsTrends