AEMC Chairman Dr. John Tamblyn is very pleased to advise that today the Chairman of the Ministerial Council on Energy, Minister Martin Ferguson AM MP, announced the appointment of Mr. John Pierce as the new AEMC Chairman and Dr. Brian Spalding as the Commonwealth nominated part time Commissioner.

Mr. Pierce’s appointment will commence on 2 June 2010 for a 5 year term.

Mr. Ian Woodward has resigned from the Commission effective from 16 April 2010 and Dr. Spalding’s appointment will commence on 19 April 2010 for a 3 year term.

"John brings extensive energy market, financial market and economic policy experience to the role of AEMC Chairman, having held the positions of Secretary, Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, Secretary, NSW Treasury and Chairman of the NSW Treasury Corp as well as earlier energy business and operational experience at Pacific Power and the Electricity Commission of NSW," Dr Tamblyn said.

"John also has wide experience in the processes of government at state and federal levels, having worked at very senior levels of government in the development of policy and provision of policy advice to ministers, cabinets, ministerial councils and the Council of Australian Governments.

"Brian also brings wide experience in energy market design and reform and in the operation of the power system and the electricity wholesale and retail markets gained most recently in senior executive positions at NEMMCO and AEMO and earlier in his career at Pacific Power, Transgrid and the Electricity Commission of NSW. Brian was a key contributor to the design and establishment of the NEM during the 1990s. Since then, as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer at NEMMCO and Executive General Manager Operations at AEMO, he has developed deep knowledge of all aspects of the operation of the NEM power system and wholesale power exchange and the policy and legal frameworks that govern those arrangements.

"The current Commissioners Ian Woodward, Neville Henderson and myself together with the AEMC Chief Executive Mr. Steven Graham warmly welcome the appointment of John and Brian as members of the ongoing Commission.

"John, Brian and Neville have been active participants in the Australian energy reform process since the early 1990s and played key roles in the establishment of the NEM and its legal and institutional arrangements. Under John’s leadership and with the relevant and complementary experience of his fellow Commissioners, the new AEMC team of Commissioners is therefore exceptionally well equipped to provide strategic leadership and direction for the AEMC in meeting the challenge of developing Australia’s energy markets over the coming years." Dr Tamblyn said.

For information contact

AEMC Chief Executive, Steven Graham (02) 8296 7800
AEMC Communication Manager, Prue Anderson (02) 8296 7800 or 0404 821 935