Leading consumer rights lawyer Gerard Brody has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Essential Services Commission.

Assistant Treasurer Danny Pearson today announced the appointment of Mr Brody as Chairperson, who will bring valuable experience in consumer policy, as well as regulatory and legal experience and a long standing passion for helping consumers.

Prior to this appointment, Mr Brody served as Chair of both Community Legal Centres Australia and the Consumers’ Federation of Australia. He has held director roles with the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. 

Mr Brody was also the CEO of the Consumer Action Law Centre which provides independent financial counselling, legal advice and representation to vulnerable and disadvantaged Victorians. Mr Brody holds degrees in Arts, Law and Public Policy from the University of Melbourne and he is a Graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course.

The ESC plays a key role in promoting the long-term interests of Victorian consumers by regulating the price, quality and reliability of essential services.

The ESC’s decisions affect both households and businesses by setting prices, enforcing consumer protections, reporting on service standards and market performance, and determining rate cap applications.

Mr Brody’s term as ESC chair will commence on 19 August.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Treasurer Danny Pearson

“Mr Brody has dedicated his working life to helping consumers and will continue to do so as the new Chairperson of the Essential Services Commission.”

“Mr Brody will work with industry and community stakeholders to protect Victorian consumers and the services we all rely on, continuing the Essential Services Commission’s work as a strong and fair regulator.”

“I thank outgoing Chairperson Ms Symons for her service to Victoria and wish her all the best in the future.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio

“Mr Brody has a wealth of experience standing up for energy consumers and will be key to enforcing the strongest energy consumer protections in the country through the Essential Services Commission.”

Quotes attributable to incoming Chairperson of the Essential Services Commission Gerard Brody

“I look forward to building on the Essential Services Commission’s reputation as a strong consumer-focused regulator and contributing to improvements in the way people are treated in the marketplace by entities regulated by the commission.”

“Additionally, I am very keen to continue to explore the role of the commission in assisting Victorians experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage and work collaboratively across Government to improve outcomes for consumers.”