On 18 April 2024 the commission held its 30-year anniversary conference inviting delegates to help celebrate the evolution of economic regulation in Victoria.  

The one-day event was well attended by over 300 stakeholders and featured interactive presentations from experts in regulation, policy, essential services and consumer advocacy.  

A keynote address by Rod Sims AO initiated a day of contemplation and debate about the evolution of economic regulation across the key themes of markets and consumers, efficiency and fairness.

The conference format included four sessions, each led by a current or former commissioner of the Essential Services Commission

• Building trust through economic regulation; led by Commission Chairperson Kate Symons (former)
• Fair enough? Regulating for consumers experiencing vulnerability: discussion led by former Commissioner Simon Corden  
• Levelling the playing field with active compliance and enforcement: discussion led by Commissioner Sitesh Bhojani
• What the future holds for economic regulation: discussion led by Commissioner Rebecca Billings

Esteemed session presenters and panellists included:  

• Rod Sims AO, Australian National University
• Dr Esmerelda Bamblett (Aunty Esme), Aboriginal Advancement League and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria
• Martin Coppack, Fair by Design, UK
• Ciara Sterling, Thriving Communities Partnership
• Ray Finkelstein AO KC, Victorian Bar Victorian Bar and former Judge at the Federal Court of Australia
• Georgia Conduit, Behavioural Insights Unit, Department of Premier and Cabinet  (Com)
• Lauren Solomon, Department of Industry, Science and Resources  
• Freya Marsden, Victorian Government Sustainability Fund  
• Lynne Gallagher, Australian Energy Regulator  
• Catherine Dermody, Victorian Bar  

Record of the day

Contact communication@esc.vic.gov.au if you require the following files in an accessible format.