THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has appointed Dr Ian Oppermann as a commissioner and the reappointment of commissioner Anna Brakey for a five-year term.

Dr Ian Oppermann, ACCC commissioner

Dr Oppermann has been appointed for a five-year term commencing on 10 December 2025. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the information and communication technology sector and deep knowledge of data, broadband enabled services, and technology.

Dr Oppermann recently served as the Data Standards chair for Digital ID and Consumer Data Right (CDR) and was previously the NSW government’s inaugural chief data scientist.

He has also held senior management roles in Europe and Australia and is a non‑executive director of Standards Australia.

“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,” said ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb.

“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.”

Anna Brakey, ACCC commissioner

Dr Oppermann holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of London and a PhD in mobile telecommunications from the University of Sydney.

Ms Brakey has been reappointed for a further five-year term also commencing on 10 December 2025.

Ms Brakey is a significant contributor to the ACCC’s work with a focus on infrastructure regulation, particularly energy and telecommunications, and promoting competition in essential services.

She has over 25 years’ experience in the public and private sectors, including senior positions at the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (NSW). She also worked as an economist in the private sector.

“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,” said Ms Cass-Gottlieb.

“The ACCC will continue to be well served by Anna’s commitment to transparency, high-quality analysis and meaningful engagement with stakeholders.”

Peter Crone, ACCC commissioner not seeking a further term

Ms Brakey will continue to play a key role as chair of the ACCC’s infrastructure and communications committee and the Energy Markets Board.

Dr Oppermann’s appointment fills a position left vacant following the decision of ACCC commissioner Peter Crone not to seek a further term. Mr Crone finished with the ACCC on 9 December 2025.

“I am deeply grateful for Peter’s many significant contributions as a commissioner,” added Ms Cass-Gottlieb.

“I have valued, and the agency has greatly benefitted 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.”