About the Tasmanian Economic Regulator
The Tasmanian Economic Regulator is an independent body that oversees key industries in Tasmania to ensure fair pricing, reliable services and consumer protection.
The Regulator is supported by the Office of the Tasmanian Economic Regulator (OTTER).
What we do
We regulate industries where competition is limited, including:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water and Sewerage
- Taxi services
- Compulsory third party insurance.
Our goal is to protect the long-term interests of Tasmanian consumers by ensuring services are fairly priced, high quality and dependable.
We also investigate complaints about government businesses that may be competing unfairly with private companies.
Leadership
Mr Joe Dimasi was appointed as the Regulator on 9 November 2015.
Mr Dimasi established and led the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's regulatory functions over a period of 18 years first as Head of its Regulatory Division and later as Commissioner. Mr Dimasi established the Australian Utility Regulators Forum and was a founding council member of the East Asian and Pacific Infrastructure Regulators Forum. The Forum was established under the guidance of the World Bank to support smaller regulators in the East Asian and Pacific region. Mr Dimasi was also a Professorial Fellow at the Monash Business School.
Our Independence
The Regulator operates independently and makes decisions fairly without bias. While the Regulator is not subject to ministerial direction (except under specific legislation like the Gas Industry Act), they may be asked by the Treasurer to report on certain matters.
The Regulator is also required to keep sensitive information confidential and is accountable to the Tasmanian Ombudsman.
Planning and Accountability
OTTER uses an Annual Operating Plan to guide its work and ensure it supports the Regulator in meeting its objectives.