The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has welcomed the Governor-General’s appointment of Ms Kate Symons to its Board.
Most recently, Ms Symons was Chair of the Essential Services Commission in Victoria, a position she held from 2019, having served as a commissioner for the organisation from 2016.
Prior to the Essential Services Commission, she had extensive legal experience with the Commonwealth Royal Commission into HIH Insurance, the Federal Court of Australia and law firms in Australia and internationally over almost two decades.
AER Chair Clare Savage said the appointment of Ms Symons brings considerable further regulatory, legal and energy sector expertise to the Board.
“We’re delighted to welcome Kate to our Board and look forward to her commencing with us later this month.
“Kate’s extensive legal background and work to evolve the Essential Services Commission into a strong consumer-focussed regulator will be an invaluable asset to the AER, and she will play a crucial role in the AER’s continued work to support energy consumers,” Ms Savage said.
Ms Symons will commence with the AER on 26 September 2024. Her appointment is for 5 years and fills the vacancy created by the retirement of former AER Deputy Chair, Mr Jim Cox PSM.
Mr Justin Oliver was appointed to the role of Deputy Chair following Mr Cox's retirement.
“On behalf of the AER, I’d like to thank Jim for his incredible contribution over the past 11 years. Jim has been an enormous support to me in his role of Deputy Chair and an ongoing source of counsel. I wish him all the best for his retirement,” Ms Savage said.