The Albanese government has confirmed two full‑time commissioners of the competition watchdog for five-year terms.
A new commissioner of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been appointed, and another reappointed.
Appointment to the ACCC involves participation by the Commonwealth and state and territory governments.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP and Competition Minister Andrew Leigh MP have confirmed that the government has appointed Dr Ian Oppermann and reappointed Anna Brakey to the competition watchdog.
Oppermann was the Data Standards Chair for Digital ID and the Consumer Data Right (CDR) until Tuesday (9 December), before handing over to Dr Scott Farrell.
He began as an ACCC Commissioner on Wednesday (10 December 2025), bringing more than 30 years’ experience in information and communication technology, including as NSW government’s inaugural chief data scientist.
He has also held senior management roles in Europe and Australia and serves as a non-executive director of Standards Australia.
Oppermann’s appointment fills the vacancy created by the departure of commissioner Peter Crone, who finished up his term with the ACCC on Tuesday (9 December) after electing not to take a second term.
The government ministers noted Oppermann’s “extensive experience in big data and standards setting, including at Standards Australia and the International Electrotechnical Commission”, as well as his valuable work as the outgoing Data Standards Chair.
Noting his appointment, ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said: “I am excited to welcome Ian to the ACCC, where we look forward to drawing on his technological and data acumen, including around the use of AI in Government.
“Ian is a respected thought leader in the digital economy. His contributions will be invaluable in helping to drive innovation at the ACCC and our data-driven approach to regulation.”
Noting Crone’s departure, Cass-Gottlieb added: “I am deeply grateful for Peter’s many significant contributions as a Commissioner.
“I have valued, and the agency has greatly benefited from, his trademark economic, policy and commercial insights and expertise across many of our most complex programs and projects.
“Peter has made important contributions to many aspects of the ACCC’s work, including the Consumer Data Right and Digital ID programs, the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum, and our childcare inquiry. We wish him well for his future endeavours.”
Meanwhile, Brakey – who was first appointed to the ACCC in December 2020 – has also been reappointed for a further term (and also commenced on 10 December).
She has more than 25 years’ experience in regulatory economics and public policy, including senior roles at the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal and experience as an economist in the private sector.
The federal ministers noted her “extensive experience in regulatory economics and public policy with more than 25 years working with regulators, government and in the private sector.”
Brakey will continue to chair the ACCC’s Infrastructure and Communications Committee and the Energy Markets Board, maintaining a focus on competition in essential services.
“I am delighted that Anna will remain with us for a further term so we can continue to benefit from her deep knowledge and expertise in infrastructure regulation,” Cass-Gottlieb commented.
In a joint statement, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities, and Treasury Leigh said: “These appointments will help to ensure one of our most important economic institutions has the talent and expertise it needs to remain strong and effective into the future.
“Anna and Ian have done a fantastic job in their current roles and we’re grateful for the commitment they’ve made to the Commission for the next five years.”
The ACCC has a chair, two deputy chairs, and four commissioners. The ACCC commissioners are now:
- Chair - Cass-Gottlieb
- Deputy chair - Mick Keogh
- Deputy chair - Catriona Lowe
- Commissioner Brakey
- Commissioner Oppermann
- Commissioner Philip Williams
- Commissioner Luke Woodward
The appointments come amid the federal government’s broader competition reform agenda, aimed at building a more dynamic, innovative, and productive economy for all Australians.
[Related: First female ACCC chair announced]
