Independent Chair and Independent Member – Audit & Risk Committee
Job Summary
Employer: Australian Energy Regulator
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Duration: Three-year term
Expressions of Interest – AER Risk & Audit Committee – Independent Chair and Member
The AER is seeking to establish a Risk and Audit Committee (Committee) to provide independent oversight, advice, and assurance to the AER Members as the Accountable Authority (known as the AER Board) and senior management to assist the AER to meet their duties and obligations under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014. The Committee will also support the development of key practice and capacity as the AER evolves its governance as a stand-alone agency.
The AER are looking to engage two (2) members through this approach to market, a Committee Chair and a Committee Member, with a third Committee Member appointed from another Commonwealth agency.
About the AER
The Australian Energy Regulator (the AER) is an independent Commonwealth statutory agency that focus on ensuring a secure, reliable and affordable energy future for Australia. We regulate wholesale and retail energy markets, and energy networks, under national energy legislation and rules. Our functions relate mostly to energy markets in eastern and southern Australia.
The AER is one of 3 major market bodies that oversee national electricity and gas markets in Australia:
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) develops the rules by which the markets must operate.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) manages the day-to-day operations of the markets.
The AER monitors performance and compliance with the rules.
Collectively, the AEMC, AEMO and the AER support the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council in its role to develop and coordinate national energy policy.
While the market bodies work closely together, each is an independent decision-maker with clear functions, accountabilities and powers.
From 1 July 2026 the AER will legally separate from the ACCC to become a stand-alone Non- Corporate Commonwealth agency. This will require the AER to establish all functions and governance arrangements to support its operations.
Scope of role and responsibilities
The PGPA Rule requires that an accountable authority of a Commonwealth entity determine by written charter, the functions of the audit committee established for the entity
The attached Risk and Audit Committee – Charter of operation (the Charter), outlines:
The role of the Committee
Authority
Role of the Chair and Member obligations
Functions
Financial reporting
Performance reporting
Systems of risk oversight and management
System of internal control
Accountability and reporting
Conflicts of interest
Meeting arrangements
Committee performance
How to Apply
Download the full candidate pack which consists of three key documents here:
Clicking “Apply Now” will open an email draft to strategyandperformance@aer.gov.au. Include the following in your application:
CV / resume (maximum 4 pages in length)
Statement addressing the evaluation criteria above (maximum 4 pages in length)
Fee proposal, for the role of chair and / or committee member:
daily fee rate
method for calculating proposed fees for a meeting, which includes the meeting day and time on non-meeting days (pre and post meeting work)
an annual fee rate that covers 5 meetings (minimum meetings identified in the Charter), plus two (2) additional meetings
Conflict of interest declaration
Confirm insurance status (certificates of currency not required unless entering into a contract)
Referees