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Anti-scam stalwart Delia Rickard has formally left her role with the independent Commonwealth statutory authority.
Assistant federal Treasurer, the Honourable Stephen Jones MP, has paid homage to Delia Rickard, outgoing deputy chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
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In wishing her gratitude and best wishes, Mr Jones said she retired from the consumer watchdog on Australia Day (26 January) having achieved her goal: ‘Devoting her life to making the world a better place.”
Though she was “thwarted in her ambitions to be a journalist”, Mr Jones said that “Australian consumers should be thankful she found her niche in being their champion.”
For the last decade, Ms Rickard, deputy chair of the ACCC is known particularly for her role in combating scams, Mr Jones highlighted.
“No-one has done more to educate consumers and business owners about protecting themselves from fraudsters,” he said.
“In the process, she prevented the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars.
“Her role at the ACCC was the culmination of three decades of devoted and dogged service to make the world a safer, better place for Australian consumers.”
Ms Rickard began work at the ACCC’s forerunner, the Trade Practices Commission in 1993 along with a long stint in ASIC and a secondment to the Wallis Inquiry, he summarised.
“From product safety to financial literacy and scam prevention, Delia Rickard’s work has lifted standards, raised awareness and sharpened regulations,” Mr Jones explained.
“She leaves the ACCC with the Albanese government’s best wishes and deepest gratitude.”
Ms Rickard is being replaced by Catriona Lowe, who’s been appointed for a five-year term from 27 January 2023.
“The government congratulates her and looks forward to continuing working closely with her in her new role,” he concluded.
ACCC contribution applauded
At the time of Ms Rickards’ announcement to leave, ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb applauded the contribution of the departing deputy chair.
Noting Ms Rickard was appointed in 1993 as a senior executive at the Trade Practices Commission in charge of the then consumer protection branch, Ms Cass-Gottlieb said Ms Rickard has a strong interest in financial services and how that sector impacts vulnerable consumers.
“She was seconded for a year to the Wallis Inquiry, where she contributed significantly to its ground-breaking work,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb recapped.
“She joined ASIC in 2000 where she spent the next decade as head of a division focused on consumer issues in banking, financial literacy and capability.
“In June 2012 she was appointed to the position of deputy chair of the ACCC.
“Delia has demonstrated a tireless focus on the welfare of consumers, especially vulnerable consumers. Her advocacy on scam prevention and product safety at the ACCC has been particularly important.
“We will miss Delia’s formidable experience, wisdom and passion.
“There is probably no other person who has made as long-standing and significant contribution to the consumer protection work of the ACCC.”
A range of accolades and roles
Ms Rickard was appointed as a board member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) in August.
She was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2011 for her contribution to consumer protection and financial services.
She is also involved with the Jan Pentland Foundation and chairs the Good Shepherd Financial Inclusion Action Plans advisory committee.
[Related: ACCC deputy named to AFCA board]
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