Sydney, 26 September, 2008: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) welcomes the announcement today of the appointment of Mr Mark Johnson to take up the important role of leading the joint industry and government Financial Services Centre initiative.
Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition and Consumer Policy, Chris Bowen, has appointed Mr Johnson, who is the retired Deputy Chairman of Macquarie Bank, and is currently Chairman of AGL Energy and Macquarie Infrastructure Group, to this Chairman role.
David Bell, Chief Executive Officer of the ABA said: “Mr Johnson’s appointment is further demonstration of the Government’s commitment to enhancing Australia as financial services centre. He brings a wealth of industry experience to the job, both domestically and internationally.”
The Assistant Treasurer also announced the establishment of a Panel of Experts who will be joining Mr Johnson:
- Mr Paul Binsted, Former Managing Director, Lazard Australia;
- Mrs Patricia Cross, Non Executive Director, NAB;
- Mr Jeremy Duffield, Managing Director, Vanguard Investments Australia;
- Mr Craig Dunn, Chief Executive Officer, AMP; and
- Mr John Story, Chairman Suncorp Metway.
Mr Bell said: “We look forward to working with the Government on strengthening Australia’s place in the region, in areas including domestic and international regulation, taxation, industry capability and market access.”
“We anticipate engagement with Mr Johnson and his team as well as Treasury, Austrade and other government agencies, and our industry partners.”
“This organisation will no doubt provide opportunities to showcase the depth of financial services which the Australian banking industry can offer, especially in the Asian region. Of particular interest would be gaining improved market access to other countries for Australia’s financial institutions.”
“The growing skills shortage in the financial services sector should also be considered. It is estimated that by 2012, Australia might need tens of thousands more finance employees to work in this expanding sector.”