Multiple changes to tribunal, standards boards

Last Friday federal Treasurer Scott Morrison announced multiple important tribunal and board appointments.

Dr Roger Simnett has been appointed as chair of the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AUASB) for a five-year period, commencing on 1 April 2017.

The current AUASB chair, Merran Kelsall, has agreed to extend the end of her term from 1 January 2017 to 31 March 2017 to facilitate Dr Simnett’s introduction to the role.

Dr Simnett was also appointed as a part-time member of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) for a five-year period, commencing on 1 April 2017.

The Superannuation Complaints Tribunal has 13 new part-time appointments and two part-time member reappointments.

“After today’s appointments the tribunal comprises of 60 per cent female membership,” a statement from the Treasurer read.

“These appointments continue the high level of skills and experience available to the tribunal, ensuring that the tribunal has appropriately qualified members to deal with the range of issues it handles.”

Professor Deborah Ralston has been appointed as a part-time member of the Payments System Board (PSB) for a term of five years, replacing outgoing member Robert McLean AM.

Professor Ralston’s appointment means that women will comprise 50 per cent of the total PSB membership for the first time.

“[Last week’s] appointments are a positive representation of gender diversity on boards. It is encouraging to see the progression of these boards to have equal representation based on merit,” the Treasurer’s statement read.

“The government congratulates all of these high-calibre Australians on their appointments and looks forward to each of them making a significant contribution.”