Elly Patira joins the Essential Services Commission

Elly Patira has been appointed as a commissioner. Her term will commence on 4 November 2024.

A commercial lawyer and expert in participatory approaches to public policy-making, Elly has deep public administration, regulation and legal experience and a longstanding passion for improving outcomes for marginalised consumer groups.     

Prior to joining the commission, Elly was CEO of Aboriginal Investment NT, a corporate Commonwealth entity responsible for deploying $680 million in capital for the benefit of Aboriginal communities. 

Elly has built a notable career in complex policy development and implementation. She has held senior executive roles within the Victorian Public Service, most recently as the Deputy Secretary, First Peoples – State Relations Group at the Department of Premier and Cabinet, responsible for nation-leading work in the areas of social, economic and cultural rights, self-determination, treaty and truth-telling. 

Having previously served as interim chief executive of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, establishing Australia's first formal truth-telling body, Elly was also a founding director of Australian Lawyers for Remote Aboriginal Rights. 

Bringing experience from prior roles at Clayton Utz and HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, Elly has a background in corporate and commercial law as well as providing advice to public and private sector clients in relation to complex regulatory regimes. 

Holding degrees in Art and Law from the University of Melbourne and a Masters in International Human Rights Law from the University of Oxford, Elly looks forward to joining a consumer centred economic regulator with a mandate to promote the long-term interests of Victorian consumers. 

With her background in public administration, Elly understands the importance of transparency, accountability and community engagement. Elly is committed to a regulatory approach that not only addresses immediate consumer needs but also promotes the interests of future generations.