Competition and Consumer (Australian Competition Tribunal Registrar and Deputy Registrars) Appointments (No. 1) 2026

Overview

The Competition and Consumer (Australian Competition Tribunal Registrar and Deputy Registrars) Appointments (No. 1) 2026I instrument, enacted in 2026, appoints individuals to key roles within the Australian Competition Tribunal, a body established under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. This legislation addresses the need for the appointment of a Registrar and Deputy Registrars to ensure the Tribunal's effective functioning and the administration of justice within the competition and consumer sectors. The enacting body, Dr Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, appointed these individuals under subsection 44(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, reflecting the policy objective of maintaining the Tribunal's integrity and efficiency in adjudicating matters of competition and consumer law.

Scope and Application

The Competition and Consumer (Australian Competition Tribunal Registrar and Deputy Registrars) Appointments (No. 1) 2026I applies to the appointments of specific individuals to the roles of Registrar and Deputy Registrars of the Australian Competition Tribunal. These appointments are pursuant to the authority granted under subsection 44(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The individuals appointed are Tim Luxton, Nicholas Parkyn, Jarrod White, Alicia Ditton, Camille Goucke, Susie Stone, and Russell Trott, each serving specific terms as outlined in the instrument. This legislative instrument operates under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting the administrative and judicial functions of the Australian Competition Tribunal, which is a statutory body established under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The instrument does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, nor does it detail any thresholds or subordinate instruments that may extend or restrict its application beyond the explicit appointments.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Competition and Consumer (Australian Competition Tribunal Registrar and Deputy Registrars) Appointments (No. 1) 2026I (section 1) establish the appointments of Tim Luxton as the Registrar and Nicholas Parkyn, Jarrod White, Alicia Ditton, Camille Goucke, Susie Stone, and Russell Trott as Deputy Registrars of the Australian Competition Tribunal (ACT). Tim Luxton is appointed for a term from 28 September 2026 to 27 September 2031 (section 1(a)), while the Deputy Registrars are appointed for terms from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2031, with the exception of Russell Trott, whose term runs from 20 December 2026 to 19 December 2031 (section 1(b) and (c)). These appointments are made under the authority conferred by subsection 44(2) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The legislation imposes specific obligations on the individuals appointed to these roles. As Registrar, Tim Luxton will be responsible for overseeing the administration of the ACT, ensuring that proceedings are conducted in a fair and efficient manner (section 1(a)). The Deputy Registrars, meanwhile, will assist the Registrar in fulfilling these duties and will be responsible for carrying out the tribunal’s functions under the supervision of the Registrar (section 1(b) and (c)). These appointments are crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the tribunal in adjudicating matters related to competition and consumer law. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences for breach outlined within this notifiable instrument itself. However, any breaches of the duties or misconduct by the appointed individuals could potentially lead to civil or criminal consequences under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. For example, serious misconduct or breaches of the Act could result in disciplinary action, fines, or even criminal charges. The specific penalties would be determined in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.