Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Acting Chairperson) Appointments (No. 1) 2024

Overview

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Acting Chairperson) Appointments (No. 1) 2024I was enacted to address the need for temporary appointments of acting Chairpersons for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). This notifiable instrument was introduced by Jim Chalmers, the Treasurer, under paragraph 11(2)(a) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The primary objective of this legislation is to ensure continuity and effective leadership within the ACCC during transitional periods when the substantive Chairperson is temporarily unavailable. By appointing Mick Keogh and Catriona Lowe as acting Chairpersons for specified periods, the Act provides a structured and legal framework to maintain the ACCC’s operational integrity and regulatory oversight during these interim periods. This ensures that the ACCC can continue to perform its duties without significant disruption.

Scope and Application

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Acting Chairperson) Appointments (No. 1) 2024 instrument appoints Mick Keogh and Catriona Lowe as acting Chairpersons of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for specified periods. The appointments are made under the authority conferred by paragraph 11(2)(a) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. This legislation applies to Mick Keogh and Catriona Lowe, the individuals being appointed as acting Chairpersons, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) as the entity involved. The instrument operates within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, aligning with federal legislative frameworks. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in this particular instrument. The scope of the appointments is limited to the specified dates, and the roles are designated on a full-time basis. The appointments do not extend beyond the jurisdictional boundaries of the Commonwealth and are subject to the provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

Key Provisions

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Acting Chairperson) Appointments (No. 1) 2024 instrument, issued under the authority of the Treasurer, appoints two individuals to temporary leadership roles within the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Specifically, section (1)(a) of the instrument appoints Mick Keogh as the acting Chairperson of the ACCC on a full-time basis for the period beginning on 8 May 2024 and ending on 21 May 2024. Section (1)(b) appoints Catriona Lowe as the acting Chairperson of the ACCC on a full-time basis for the period beginning on 8 June 2024 and ending on 20 June 2024. These appointments are made in accordance with paragraph 11(2)(a) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The appointments outlined in the instrument impose certain obligations and requirements on the individuals appointed. Mick Keogh and Catriona Lowe are required to fulfil the duties and responsibilities of the Chairperson of the ACCC during their respective terms. This includes leading the ACCC in its enforcement of competition and consumer laws, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, and participating in relevant decision-making processes. The acting Chairpersons are expected to operate within the framework of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and any other applicable legislation. Failure to comply with the obligations and requirements of the acting Chairperson roles could result in various consequences. Although the instrument itself does not explicitly detail penalties or consequences for non-compliance, breaches of the duties and responsibilities outlined under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 could lead to disciplinary action or legal proceedings. These could include civil penalties, such as fines, or criminal charges, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. The specific penalties for such breaches are detailed within the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and may vary based on the circumstances of the non-compliance.