Strict eligibility criteria in the Energy Industry (Rule Change Panel) Regulations 2016 (Panel Regulations), designed to avoid conflicts of interest, have made it difficult to identify suitably qualified Western Australian-based candidates for Rule Change Panel (Panel) appointments.
The Minister for Energy endorsed a Directions Report prepared by Energy Policy WA outlining recommended changes to the Panel Regulations to provide for an increased number of Panel members and expanded scope of eligible candidates. A copy of the Directions Report is available here:
Directions Report – Improving the Rule Change Panel appointments process
Draft Amendment Regulations to implement the recommendations outlined in the Directions Report were made available for stakeholder comment as to any drafting errors or unintended consequences from these regulations. These draft regulatory changes are available here:
Consultation Draft – Energy Industry (Rule Change Panel) Amendment Regulations 2020
This project has not been continued given the broader energy sector governance changes announced by the Minister for Energy on 12 October 2020, that include the transfer of rule-making functions.
