Functions

IPART's primary functions

IPART has six core functions, which are conferred by legislation, codes and access regimes established by legislation. These functions are to:

• set maximum prices for monopoly services provided by government agencies in NSW (including water and public transport)
• administer licensing or authorisation of water, electricity and gas businesses, and monitor compliance with licence conditions
• register agreements for access to public infrastructure assets and arbitrate disputes about these agreements
• investigate complaints about competitive neutrality referred by the NSW Government
• administer the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme (GGAS)and its register of certificates
• administer the Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) and its register of certificates.

In addition, IPART can be asked to :

• advise the NSW Government or its agencies on issues such as pricing, efficiency, industry structure or competition
• assist other Australian regulators on a fee for service basis.

For more information on which government services have been declared as government monopoly services, click here.

For more information on IPART’s role in relation to competitive neutrality, click here.

For more information on IPART’s role in relation to GGAS and the ESS, visit the GGAS Website and the ESS Website.

IPART's purpose and goals

IPART’s purpose is to provide independent regulatory decisions and advice to enhance the economic, social and environmental well being of the people and state of NSW.

Our specific purpose varies with different activities and functions we are asked to perform across a range of industries.  However, in everything we do we strive to achieve the following goals:

• in the areas of our expertise be recognised as a key economic think-tank and source of quality advice to the NSW Government

• promote competition (or simulate its effects) in regulated industries

• protect consumers by monitoring the quality and reliability of regulated services and by considering the social impacts of its decisions

• promote secure and sustainable energy and water supplies by monitoring the way utilities comply with their license obligations

• encourage economic prosperity and prudent and efficient investment in utility infrastructure

• encourage environmental sustainability

• promote an innovative regulatory environment.

Tribunal Members

The Tribunal comprises up to three permanent members appointed by the Premier.  Further temporary members may also be appointed by the Premier as required for particular inquiries.  The Tribunal’s two current permanent members are :

• Acting Chairman and CEO - Mr James Cox

• Part-time Member - Ms Sibylle Krieger.

Submissions

Click Here for information on how to send a submission to IPART.