Regional Electricity Councils

The Regional Electricity Councils (RECs) ceased their activities on 30 June 2009.

In July 2008 the Premier commissioned an independent Review of Government Boards, Committees and Statutory Authorities, which included the RECs. According to the Premier's Terms of Reference, the purpose of the review of government bodies was to reduce bureaucracy and unnecessary red tape; improve the overall efficiency of government bodies; and maintain the integrity and security of necessary regulatory functions. 

When making their recommendations, the independent reviewers took the following into consideration:

• submissions by individuals and organisations
• information from government departments, including discussions with Directors-General
• research on various issues and matters raised during this process.

The Queensland Government has considered the independent reviewers' report Brokering Balance: A Public Interest Map for Queensland Government Bodies - An Independent Review of Queensland Government Boards, Committees and Statutory Authorities, and the 210 recommendations contained in the report. The government's response was made public on 22 April 2009.

The full response to the report can be viewed on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website.

The Queensland Government has taken into account the independent reviewers' discussions in considering the recommendation (Recommendation number 72) that the seven RECs be abolished and that ENERGEX and Ergon Energy develop their own community consultative arrangements. Other environmental factors and the principle of applying the public interest map to the RECs were also taken into account.

The key objective for the government in supporting the independent reviewers' recommendation is to ensure the best outcome is achieved.

The Queensland Government appreciates the dedication and service of those who serve on government bodies. The government also acknowledges the importance of engaging with the community and industry on matters affecting Queensland.

Consultation and engagement will continue, but without the need for the formality and cost associated with a government body.

Similarly, in accepting the recommendation to abolish the RECs, it should not be inferred that the Queensland Government considers the REC's advisory function as unimportant. Generally, the functions will continue to be performed; the Queensland Government's objective is to place those functions where they can be performed most efficiently. 

Queensland Mines and Energy will work with both Ergon Energy and ENERGEX to ensure appropriate community consultative arrangements are established following the wind up of the RECs.