Colin Barnett Premier; Minister for State Development

Thu 05 January, 2012
New Public Utilities Office to be established

Portfolio: Premier
New Public Utilities Office to guide policy on energy
Office of Energy resources and functions transferred to Department of Finance
Premier Colin Barnett today announced a new Public Utilities Office would be established within the Department of Finance.

Mr Barnett said initially the Public Utilities Office would provide advice to the State Government on energy policy but over time it could also have responsibility for water and waste management policy.

“The decision to establish a new Public Utilities Office is a recommendation of the Economic Audit Committee,” he said.

“Establishing a Public Utilities Office with an initial focus on energy markets will enable, through economies of scale, the development of appropriate policy capacity and capability to ensure the Government is able to draw on independent, high quality advice to inform its provision of essential services.

“The move is in line with the Government’s priority to build the policy capacity and capability of the public sector and has the support of the Public Sector Commissioner.”

The Premier said the Office of Energy would cease to exist, with its functions, staff and resources transferred to the Department of Finance.

“The Department of Finance will continue to report to Finance Minister Simon O’Brien on Government procurement, building management and works, State revenue and shared services issues,” he said.

“The new Public Utilities Office will report through the Director General of the Department of Finance to Energy Minister Peter Collier on energy industry and policy issues.”

Fact File
The new arrangements will be implemented by the end of March 2012