New South Wales Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean

Consumer Champion Calls It A Day

Victor P Taffa

One of the state’s most respected and longest-serving public servants, New South Wales (NSW) Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe, has announced his retirement.

Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said Mr. Stowe would retire in July after more than 40 years’ continuous service to the NSW public, including almost 3 decades in the consumer affairs portfolio, under 18 different Ministers, and 6 years as Commissioner.

“Mr. Stowe has become synonymous with consumer protection and is held in the highest regard nationwide as one of Australia’s most outstanding consumer affairs advocates.” Mr. Kean said.

“Commissioner Stowe has been absolutely tireless in protecting consumers and assisting the most vulnerable groups in the community.”

“He is also one of the most active Fair Trading Commissioners in the state’s history, with a well-earned reputation as a ‘hands on’ approachable leader.”

“I commend Mr. Stowe on such a distinguished career, and wish him all the very best in his retirement.”

Mr. Stowe started his career as a public servant straight out of high school in 1977. He worked in pollution control, education, superannuation and local government before moving to the consumer affairs portfolio in 1989.

His legacies include the successful implementation of the consumer protection strategy for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the development of the Australian Consumer Law, and the introduction of the NSW Complaints Register.

Mr. Stowe was awarded the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals (SOCAP) Life Time Achievement Award in 2015 and the Public Service Medal in the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

In February this year, the NSW Parliament formally congratulated Mr. Stowe on reaching the career milestone of 40 years as a NSW public servant.