The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, welcomes the appointment of Mr William Nagle as chair of the Energy Technical and Safety Leaders Group (Leaders Group).
The Leaders Group was established by the Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE) in June 2008. Its role is to develop the Energy Technical and Safety Regulation Harmonisation Enhancement Plan (Harmonisation Plan), following MCE agreement in November 2007 to work to improve the consistency of state-based regulations that apply to the energy sector.
Minister Ferguson said: "I am pleased to note the appointment of Mr Nagle as chair of the Leaders Group. He brings extensive experience in the energy supply industry through a variety of senior roles in both government and industry. This appointment will help progress the important reforms that the Leaders Group is undertaking and ensure that the Leaders Group meets the MCE agreed timetable for delivery.
"The work of the Leaders Group will have long-lasting benefits for the energy industry in Australia and for energy workers. It will facilitate greater mobility of electrical workers across state and territory borders; reduce the regulatory and compliance burden on electricity networks and gas pipeline businesses, and make it easier for jurisdictions to respond to emergencies.
"Australia's electricity and gas sector employs more than 46,000 people and contributes approximately 1.5 per cent, or $15 billion, to Australia's gross domestic product. Secure and efficient supply of energy is one the cornerstones of Australia's international competitiveness. This framework will ensure best-practice regulation is in place to improve the safety of workers in the electricity and gas sector and maximise public safety, while reducing the cost of doing business."
The framework to be developed by the Leaders Group will be complementary to other reforms taking place such as the National Occupational Health and Safety Review and National Licensing System.
Mr Nagle has held a number of senior adviser positions in energy and economics for the Australian Government, and was a former chief executive of the Energy Networks Association and Australian Gas Association. More recently, Mr Nagle served as the independent chair for the Gas Standards Sector Board at Standards Australia and chair of the Australian and New South Wales Fisheries Management Advisory Committees.
The Leaders Group released a discussion paper on its plans in February (www.mce.gov.au) and will deliver the Harmonisation Plan to the Ministerial Council on Energy, chaired by Minister Ferguson, at its December meeting later this year.