The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced the appointment of Luke Woodward (pictured) as commissioner for a five-year term, commencing Oct. 10.
ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb welcomed the appointment, saying Woodward’s deep experience in competition and consumer law would strengthen the regulator’s leadership team.
“I am delighted to welcome Luke back to the ACCC,” Cass-Gottlieb said. “His expertise and experience across a wide range of fields relevant to the work of the ACCC is recognised not only in Australia but globally.
“Luke’s strong litigation experience will be an asset to the ACCC’s work, particularly in our enforcement program and in Australia’s new merger regime.”
Woodward is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading competition and consumer law practitioners, with more than 30 years of experience spanning mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure regulation, and competition and consumer matters.
He previously worked at the ACCC from 1993 to 2000, holding senior roles including executive general manager, general counsel, and senior assistant commissioner.
Before rejoining the regulator, Woodward was competition and regulation partner and national head of competition law at King & Wood Mallesons, where he advised on major merger and regulatory matters across industries such as telecommunications, energy, and transport.
Woodward’s appointment comes as the ACCC prepares to implement Australia’s new merger control regime, expected to significantly reshape corporate transaction oversight and competition enforcement.
As part of his role, Woodward will chair the enforcement committee and serve on the mergers review committee and water and agriculture board – key areas of focus under the regulator’s 2025–2030 priorities.
Cass-Gottlieb said his return reinforces the commission’s ability to deliver robust, fair and evidence-based outcomes.
Woodward holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School, along with degrees in economics and law from the University of Sydney.
He fills the position previously vacated by former Commissioner Liza Carver, and his appointment reflects the ACCC’s ongoing focus on leadership renewal and regulatory capability.
Further details are available in the ACCC media release and on the ACCC role and structure page.
Get the hottest and freshest mortgage news delivered right into your inbox. Subscribe now to our FREE daily newsletter
