This submission is in response to the Proposal for a National Energy Consumer Advocacy Body Directions Paper by Dr Tamblyn and Mr Ryan. It is sent on behalf of the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre, Total Environment Centre, Alternative Technology Association, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, Consumer Action Law Centre, and the Australian Council of Social Service.
The joint submission addresses six issues regarding the national advocacy body (NAB). These issues are objective, constituency, governance structure, funding, limit of building grant recipients and co-contribution. The joint signatories support the move to establish a NAB as long as it represents a net positive for energy consumers. This outcome relies on effective management of the transition to this body coupled with a strong governance structure that is both transparent and independent. The submission also supports a review of the overall energy consumer landscape once the NAB has operated for a minimum of two years.
