Emily Calvert

Published: November 17, 2021

Submitting To: The Economic Development, Science and Innovation Select Committee

Issue for Business: The Bill implements changes recommended by the Electricity Price Review, seeking to strengthen consumers' voice and provide an effective regulatory framework for the electricity industry in view of rapidly evolving technologies and business models. Our draft submission is generally supportive of the changes, although we recommend some changes: • Refer to the newly established entity as the Small Consumer Advocacy Council (rather than Agency) • Remove Clause 6 under Schedule 1, Part 1, which would impose costs retrospectively • Request future changes to the Act or Code are well-signalled and thoroughly consulted on • Consider compensation arrangements for organisations required to provide information for ministerial investigations or reviews • Provide further detail of the purpose and nature of information to be shared between agencies. • Consider arrangements to notify participants of what information is being shared and when.