- Shape the future of essential utility regulation in the NT
- Bring practical judgement to complex regulatory issues
- Make a high-impact contribution in a flexible, part-time role
The Utilities Commission of the Northern Territory is a statutory authority established under the Utilities Commission Act 2000 and is the independent economic regulator for the Northern Territory. The Commission is constituted by the Utilities Commissioner and Associate Commissioners and has responsibility across regulated industries, including electricity, ports, water and sewerage.
The object of the Utilities Commission Act 2000 is to establish an economic regulatory framework that promotes and safeguards competition and fair and efficient market conduct. The Commission’s primary purpose is to protect the long-term interests of Territory consumers of services provided by regulated industries, particularly in relation to price, reliability and quality. Its vision is to benefit Territorians through effective regulation, well-informed and transparent decision-making and robust, independent advice.
Planned succession has created two Associate Utilities Commissioner opportunities for experienced professionals to contribute to the Commission’s next chapter and to the effective regulation of essential services for Territorians. Working with the Commissioner, the Associate Utilities Commissioners will contribute to regulatory decisions, strategic direction and oversight of the Commission’s work.
These are flexible, part-time appointments of approximately one day per week. The role is to:
- support the Utilities Commissioner to deliver the Commission’s statutory functions, and set and achieve the Commission’s strategy and priorities
- contribute expertise to, and be part of, the Commission’s collective decision-making and advice provision
- engage with Ministers, government officials, regulated entities, consumers, industry and other regulators, including through meetings and site visits
- support, and contribute to the development of, Commission staff
- uphold, and foster a positive culture consistent with, the Commission’s values.
This is an active and hands-on role. The Associate Utilities Commissioners will be expected to understand complex issues, identify key considerations, provide guidance to staff and contribute constructively to regulatory approaches and decisions. The role also involves direct engagement with CEOs, boards, Ministers and other senior stakeholders.
While the role is part-time, it requires flexibility to review detailed material and respond to matters within agreed timeframes outside regular meetings and requires periodic travel to the Northern Territory. Travel is expected to be approximately once per quarter, primarily to Darwin, with the possibility of one annual visit to a regional area outside Darwin.
To be considered for this role, you will bring substantial experience in economic regulation, water or energy regulation, regulated utilities, government policy, law, economics, consulting or a related field. Your experience will be practical and applied, with the judgement to translate complex regulatory, commercial and policy issues into clear advice and decisions.
Your experience may have been gained as a regulator, economist, lawyer, senior executive, consultant, board member or leader within a regulated business. You will be comfortable operating at Commissioner level while engaging sufficiently in detail to support a small specialist team.
You will bring independence, sound judgement and the confidence to express clear views, together with a collaborative approach to working with fellow Commissioners, staff and stakeholders. A high level of integrity, objectivity and professionalism is fundamental.
Candidates must be available for periodic travel to the Northern Territory and able to accommodate a flexible part-time commitment. The appointments are expected to commence in late 2026 or early 2027, subject to relevant approval processes.
To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/ynw8kxvc
To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Ashleigh Stewart at 0408 856 689 or Emma Wallace at 0432 060 301.
Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.
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Applications close on Sunday 20 th September 2026.
