Annual Report 2018-19

We are led by our commissioners, who are responsible for approving our determinations, reviews and other materials. Our chief executive officer helps ensure we have a secure, efficient operational framework to promote the commission’s work.

Our commissioners changed in 2018–19

In 2018–19, we said goodbye to Dr Ron Ben-David, commissioner and Chairperson of the commission after 10 years in the role. We also farewelled Commissioner Richard Clarke, who contributed to new approaches in our work programs over his five-year term. 

Commissioner Kate Symons filled the role of Acting Chairperson from May 2019, and was appointed Chairperson in September 2019. We also welcomed Simon Corden to the role of part-time commissioner in April 2019. 

The information in this section reflects these changes. 

Our leadership team

Kate Symons, Commissioner and Chairperson 

Kate was appointed Chairperson and full-time Commissioner in September 2019 following Dr Ron Ben-David’s departure in May 2019. Kate was originally appointed part-time Commissioner in October 2016. As a lawyer with qualifications in public administration and corporate governance, Kate has experience across a number of sectors.

Kate has particular expertise in risk, compliance and governance issues. She acted as solicitor-assisting for the HIH Insurance Royal Commission, has held roles within the university sector and the Federal Court of Australia, and has worked in private practice both in Australia and overseas.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Adelaide and a Master of Public Administration from Flinders University. 

Simon Corden, Commissioner 

Simon was appointed part-time commissioner in April 2019. He is an expert in economics and social policy. 

Simon’s previous roles include senior executive roles within the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Treasury and Finance, and the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission Secretariat. 

From 2011 to 2018 he was the Director, Policy, Programs and Evaluation, Management Consulting at KPMG Australia.

Richard Clarke, Commissioner (until March 2019)

Richard was appointed a part-time commissioner in March 2014. He ended his term in March 2019.

Richard graduated with a Master of Economics from Monash University. He worked at Monash University’s Centre of Policy Studies followed by more than five years as chief economist for Shell Australia. Richard has also worked at the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance, the Australian, Queensland and New Zealand productivity commissions, the Better Regulation Executive (London), and the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission.

Dr Ron Ben-David, Commissioner and Chairperson (until May 2019)

Ron ended his term as Commissioner and Chairperson on 31 May 2019. Ron has a broad interest in all aspects of the commission’s role, which is to promote the long-term interests of Victorian consumers.

He previously worked as a Deputy Secretary for the Department of Premier and Cabinet. He also established Victoria’s Office of Climate Change in 2007 and headed the secretariat for the Garnaut Climate Change Review. Ron was appointed Chairperson of the Essential Services Commission of Victoria in 2008.

He holds a Bachelor of Science (Optom), a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) and a PhD (Economics). In 2005, Ron became a fellow of the Institute of Public Administration (Vic). He is also a member of numerous advisory councils.

Dr John Hamill, Chief Executive Officer

John has strong public sector experience, particularly in strategic micro-economic analysis, budget management, organisational performance and policy development. Most recently, he was the Manager of Input Methodologies, then General Manager, Regulation at the Commerce Commission of New Zealand.

John also held several roles at the New Zealand Ministry of Justice and has a PhD in English literature from Victoria University of Wellington.

The executive team at 30 June 2019

Michelle Bryne

As Senior Manager, Strategic Communication, Michelle oversees external and internal communication, digital and social media, media and issues management, reputation and branding, and stakeholder engagement.

Michelle has a Master of Communications, Organisational Communication, and a Bachelor of Arts, both from Charles Sturt University.

Jeff Cefai

As Director, Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU), Jeff oversees all aspects of the VEU program within the commission’s remit. These include assessing and registering certificates, approving products and accrediting participants. He also oversees the management of project-based activities, monitoring and enforcement under the commission’s audit and compliance functions, and mandatory safety training requirements. 

Jeff has a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) from RMIT.

Marcus Crudden

As Director, Price Monitoring and Regulation, Marcus oversees projects including assessing and approving water prices, local government higher cap applications and taxi fares, and reporting on domestic building insurance and the Port of Melbourne’s compliance with pricing requirements.

Marcus has a Master of Business Administration from the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales. He also has a Graduate Diploma of Water Engineering, Hydrology and Water Resources Science, and a Bachelor of Engineering, both from Monash University.

Sarah McDowell

As Director, Energy, Sarah oversees projects including the regulation of energy licences, exemptions, tariffs and benchmarks. She also oversees the development of energy codes and guidelines, and the release of market performance reports such as the Victorian Energy Market Report.

Sarah has a Graduate Diploma in Law, a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts, all from Monash University.

Alix Quirke

As Director, Organisational Performance, Alix oversees key internal functions including information technology, people and culture, finance, governance and risk. Alix also oversees the Secretariat function of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Alix has a Masters in Professional Accounting from Griffith University and a Bachelor of Commerce from Lincoln University. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute.

Organisational chart at 30 June 2019

*Our price monitoring and regulation team covers areas including water, local government and transport, and the Victorian Default Offer.