Inside the National Competition Council: Your 60-Second Guide to Landing Your Dream Role 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the National Competition Council (NCC)? We’ve done the heavy lifting and dissected their latest annual report, so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this small but influential agency—from its mission and revenue to the skills they look for in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to carve out a fulfilling path in the Australian Public Service.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: National Competition Council (NCC)
Location: Melbourne, Victoria (serves Australia-wide)
CEO (President): Ms Julie-Anne Schafer
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD 1.727 million (2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: 0 direct employees (Council members are supported by staff from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Economics / Econometrics: Analyzing market structures and evaluating regulatory impacts.
Law (LLB/JD or similar): Interpreting legislation, drafting policy, and advising on legal frameworks.
Business / Commerce: Understanding corporate finance and organisational operations.
Public Policy / Public Administration: Translating high-level research into government-friendly formats.
Data Analytics / Statistics: Essential for processing market data and developing evidence-based insights.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP): Coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives and policy reviews.
Government Investigations / Compliance: Demonstrates capacity for oversight in regulated environments.
Financial Services Compliance Certificates: Useful for evaluating the financial impact of competition policies.
Leadership and Management (Cert IV, Diploma): Enhances ability to guide diverse teams and projects.
Advanced Microsoft Excel or Data Tools: Helps in economic and financial modelling tasks.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Legal Professionals / Solicitors: Drafting legislative instruments and advising on statutory matters.
Accountants / Financial Auditors: Ensuring transparency in funding and financial processes.
Policy Officers / Advisors: Designing policy recommendations and overseeing stakeholder engagement.
Data Analysts / Economists: Performing quantitative research and market trend analysis.
IT Technicians / Systems Analysts: Strengthening data security and improving digital workflows.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Analytical Thinking: Critical for interpreting economic trends and regulatory frameworks.
Stakeholder Engagement: Vital for communicating policy impacts to government, industry, and the public.
Communication (written & verbal): Drafting clear, concise reports and delivering impactful presentations.
Research & Investigation: Ensures that policy advice is solidly evidence-based.
Problem-Solving: Balances diverse interests and fosters fair competitive outcomes.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: National Competition Council
Name of CEO (President): Ms Julie-Anne Schafer
Location: Headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria (serves Australia-wide)
Year Founded: 1995
Main mission and purpose of the department:
The NCC provides advice to state, territory, and Commonwealth ministers on access to nationally significant infrastructure. Its recommendations help promote competitive market structures across Australia.
Real-world example: If a freight operator wants access to a rail line controlled by another operator, the NCC’s guidance ensures the process is fair—potentially leading to better shipping rates for businesses and consumers.Main duties of the department:
Evaluating applications related to access to essential infrastructure under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Providing recommendations to decision-making ministers on whether certain infrastructure services require regulation.
Overseeing and advising on state or territory access regimes to maintain national consistency.
Real-world example: Multiple gas pipelines criss-cross Australia; the NCC helps decide how to regulate them to keep energy markets competitive and transparent.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Assessing applications made under Part IIIA of the Competition and Consumer Act.
Providing recommendations about the coverage of natural gas pipelines.
Supporting the ongoing revitalisation of National Competition Policy reforms across Australia.
Did you know?
The NCC was created in 1995 as part of the landmark National Competition Policy reforms, which played a major role in improving Australia’s economic performance and global competitiveness.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 0 direct employees
Total Number of Employees at each pay level: Not applicable (councillors are statutory appointees; operational support comes from the ACCC).
Salary Bands: Remuneration for Council members is set by the Remuneration Tribunal. Supporting staff members are employed under standard Australian Public Service pay scales at the ACCC.
Average salary in the department: Not applicable for direct employees.
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD 1.727 million (2023–24)
Average Revenue per Employee: About AUD 1.727 million (reflecting the Council’s minimal headcount).
GETTING A JOB AT
When the NCC does recruit, it’s typically for councillor positions or specialist consultancies. Day-to-day operational roles are housed within the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). Check both the APS jobs website and the ACCC’s careers page for up-to-date vacancies.
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Business Administration / Government (Cert III/IV, Diploma): Builds core capabilities in administrative support and public sector processes.
Project Management (Cert IV, Diploma): Equips you to support or lead smaller-scale regulatory projects.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Economics, Law, Public Policy, Commerce: Fundamental for understanding legislative frameworks, market analysis, and policy development.
Data Analytics / Cybersecurity / Information Systems: As digital processes expand, these specialisations can enhance the NCC’s analytical and security capacity.
PhDs:
Economics / Competition Law / Regulatory Policy: Offers advanced research skills for shaping complex national reforms.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after?
Legal Practitioners: Crafting and reviewing legal arguments and policy documents.
Economists / Financial Analysts: Interpreting market data and contributing to economic modelling.
Policy Advisors / Project Managers: Overseeing cross-departmental projects and initiatives.
IT & Systems Specialists: Managing data systems and ensuring robust digital infrastructure.
Communications / Stakeholder Engagement Officers: Translating complex information for government, industry, and the public.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after?
Public Sector Background: Familiarity with government decision-making processes.
Regulatory & Compliance Roles: Understanding frameworks that oversee competition.
Infrastructure & Utilities Sector: Insight into large-scale project dynamics and relevant legislation.
Management Consulting: Experience tackling organisational challenges in a results-driven environment.
Research & Analysis: Proven ability to produce evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after?
Soft skills:
Team leadership, adaptability, empathy in stakeholder engagement, and clear communication.
Technical skills:
Legal drafting, economic modelling, advanced data analytics, project management tools.
General skills:
Report writing, negotiation, and the ability to handle multiple priorities under strict deadlines.
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Policy and Economics Reading: Keeping abreast of think tank papers and regulatory updates.
Debating Societies / Research Clubs: Enhancing logical reasoning and articulation skills.
Community Volunteer Work: Demonstrates commitment to public welfare—an important aspect of government service.
Tech Enthusiasm: Exploring new software or data tools that can improve policy workflows and data analysis.
WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THIS DEPARTMENT?
Contact the department:
Address:
National Competition Council
GPO Box 250
Melbourne VIC 3001Telephone: 02 6243 1320
Email: info@ncc.gov.au
Website: https://ncc.gov.au
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.