South Australian Public Service
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
Title of Position:
Assistant Director, Economic Regulation
Administrative Unit:
Department of Treasury and Finance
Classification Code: ASO-8
Discipline Code:
Career Code:
Type of Appointment:
Branch: Revenue and Economics
Section:

Permanent
Position Number:
Position Created:
Job and Person Specification Approval
All excluding senior positions
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CEO or delegate
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JOB SPECIFICATION
1.
Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to the organisation’s
goals (its expected outcome and how it is achieved).
The Assistant Director, Economic Regulation is accountable to the Director, Regulation and
Assistant Under Treasurer, Revenue and Economics for the provision of policy advice on
economic regulation policy, particularly with respect to the urban water and wastewater
industry sectors, taking into account CoAG and NWI obligations, inter-jurisdictional forums
and national regulatory developments and reforms; introduction of independent economic
regulation of SA Water and Third party access arrangements in respect of SA Water. In
addition, comprehensive, high quality and transparent reporting of water and wastewater
price setting processes, and manage public inquiry processes in satisfaction of NWI
obligations. Provide support in respect of a broad range of economic and social regulatory
policy areas.
2.
Reporting/Working Relations (to whom the person reports, staff for whom the
person is responsible, and other significant connections and working
relationships within the organisation).
The Assistant Director, Economic Regulation:
 Reports to the Director, Regulation and Assistant Under Treasurer, Revenue and
Economics.
Liaises with:
 Senior Treasury staff, Treasurer’s Office, Finance Branch, Projects Branch,
Government Accounting and Reporting Branch.
 SA Water, other jurisdictions, inter jurisdictional working groups, Office for Water
Security, Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation, Department for
Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, PIRSA, Crown Law.
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3.
Special Conditions (such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements,
frequent overtime, etc.)
Some out of hours work may be required. Intrastate and interstate travel may be required.
The incumbent will be required to participate in the Departmental Performance Management
Program.
4.
Statement of Key Outcomes and Associated Activities (group into major areas
of responsibility/activity and list in descending order of importance).
The Assistant Director, Economic Regulation is accountable for provision of advice in
relation to economic regulation. This is achieved by:
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Providing objective and comprehensive advice on economic regulation policy,
particularly with respect to the urban water and wastewater industry sector and taking
into account CoAG and NWI obligations and national regulatory developments and
reforms and legislative implications.
Introduction of independent economic regulation of SA Water and Third party Access
arrangements in respect of SA Water.
Comprehensive, high quality and transparent reporting of water and wastewater price
setting processes, and manage public inquiry processes in satisfaction of NWI
obligations.
Participating on inter-jurisdictional forums on urban water and wastewater matters
affecting all States and Territories, provide objective advice in consultation with
internal parties.
High quality analysis and advice on inputs into, and outcomes of, the regulatory
model, in conjunction with SA Water.
Co-ordination of regulatory modelling of water and wastewater charges.
High quality analysis and policy advice on related budget matters, taking account the
annual budget cycle.
Monitoring and occasional high quality analysis of regulatory developments and
reports in the energy and transport industry sectors and compulsory third party
insurance.
Oversighting of ESCOSA, including its performance plan and administration of the
Essential Services Commission Act 2002.
Undertake tasks in respect of a broad range of economic and social regulatory policy areas
for the Director, Regulation and/or Assistant Under Treasurer, Revenue and Economics as
required.
Ensure the promotion and implementation of the principles of public administration and
personnel management, in particular equal opportunity, occupational heath and safety and
the merit principle, and associated legislation.
Acknowledged by Applicant ....................................................................
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Minimum Requirements
(Those characteristics considered absolutely necessary)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
(Include only those listed in Commissioner's Standard 2-Quality Staffing, Attachment C as an
essential qualification for the specified classification group)
Tertiary qualifications (Degree level) in accounting, economics or related discipline.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
(Related to the job description, and expressed in a way which allows assessment)
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Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, with a wide variety of people
at all levels, including senior officers within and external to the department.
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High degree of initiative and motivation.
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Ability to prepare concise and comprehensive advice on complex issues and to
communicate effectively including responding to enquiries.
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Ability to simplify and analyse complex issues in an independent and logical way leading
to the formulation of solutions.
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High level written and quantitative skills with emphasis on clarity, accuracy and attention
to detail.
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Demonstrated ability to work under broad direction, identify performance outcomes, plan
activities and set priorities to achieve objectives and deadlines.
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Ability to work independently on projects, but also to contribute in a team environment.
Experience
(Including community experience)
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Experience in the provision of policy advice to senior officers.
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Experience in drafting reports, undertaking research and developing policy options.
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Experience in quantitative applications and estimation techniques.
Knowledge
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Understanding of government, cabinet and legislative processes.
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An understanding of and ability to manage to the spirit and principles of the Premier’s
Safety Commitment and the legislative requirements of the Occupational Health Safety
and Welfare Act, utilizing AS/NZS 4360 Risk Management, or to an equivalent set of
standards.
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DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS (To distinguish between applicants who have met all
essential requirements).
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
(Considered to be useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the position)
Post graduate qualifications and quantitative modelling skills.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes Skills
(Related to the job description, and expressed in a way which allows assessment)
Experience
(Including community experience)
Experience in regulation policy development and quantitative modelling.
Knowledge
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Knowledge of CoAG and NWI price setting obligations.
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Knowledge of Australian and South Australian water and wastewater regulatory
arrangements.
Acknowledged by Applicant ....................................................................
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