Working as a regulatory economist
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is an independent national statutory authority dealing with competition matters. A key part of its brief is the economic regulation of network infrastructure, for instance telecommunications and rail.
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is part of the ACCC but is a separate legal identity. Its current major role is in electricity regulation. By 2008 its role in the economic regulation of electricity and gas networks will have significantly expanded.
Economists at the ACCC/AER are involved in providing advice that will have a crucial impact on upstream and downstream competition and investment levels in infrastructure industries. Wide ranging advice is required, including advice to: determine which services should be subject to access regimes, determine conditions of
access (including prices), and set revenue caps.
These are very complex questions, and the ACCC/AER needs talented staff with an excellent training in economics to advise and help the ACCC and AER Board to make these decisions.
The regulatory area of the ACCC also has a role in monitoring outcomes in newly deregulated and concentrated markets.
Staff with strong economics skills are urgently required
The ACCC/AER specifically wants people who have:
- completed a degree in economics/finance, preferably at honours level
- a strong interest in micro-economics and good quantitative skills
- a desire to apply their specialist training to the achievement of practical outcomes.
Why you should work for the ACCC/AER
The challenge: regulatory economics is constantly evolving. The focus of the working environment is upon new ideas and developments. You will get to apply and develop your existing knowledge.
The excitement: decisions made by the ACCC/AER have a major impact on the Australian economy. You will actively contribute to decisions with far-reaching economic, industrial, legal and consumer implications.
Working for the public good: the ACCC is a respected organisation that is required to maintain the highest ethical standards. We believe in the fundamental principle that competition is crucial to the economic wellbeing of this nation, and the quality of life for all Australians.
A positive for career opportunity: employment and the training provided by the ACCC/AER is highly valued by the broader employment market. You will develop a very rewarding and challenging career.
A positive for career progression: the ACCC has experienced considerable growth as Australia moves to national markets. Upward mobility is high, as is the need for qualified staff.
Flexible location: the ACCC has a national presence with offices in all capital cities, as well as in Townsville.
Employment opportunities—10-month graduate program
As a graduate, working with the ACCC/AER could involve investigating complaints from business or consumers, analysing key market sectors, or assessing applications for collective bargaining, authorisations and notifications. It may involve regulatory economics, consumer liaison activities or compliance research and policy work.
The program is structured so that graduates can work in a range of positions and take part in diverse activities, and it focuses on providing graduates with extensive on-the-job training. This is complemented by a comprehensive formal training program.
FIND OUT MORE
Find out more about the ACCC/AER graduate program or visit www.accc.gov.au .