Minister appoints new head to Business Licensing Authority
Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O'Brien today announced a key appointment to Victoria's Business Licensing Authority (BLA) and the Motor Car Traders Claims Committee (MCTCC).
Mr O'Brien appointed Dr Damien Cremean as the new Chair of the BLA and MCTCC.
Dr Cremean brings with him significant experience in alternative dispute resolution, commercial law and mediation.
"Dr Cremean is an experienced legal practitioner and academic who has a keen interest in consumer protection from his time with the former Small Claims Tribunal.
"He also has expertise in decision-making and alternative dispute resolution, having been Deputy President and a Senior Member of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal," Mr O'Brien said.
Since 1976 Dr Cremean has been a barrister, specialising in commercial law and maritime law. He has published extensively in law journals, and is a Fellow of the Australian Centre for International Arbitration and an elected Fellow of the Australian Institute for Commercial Arbitration.
Dr Cremean replaces Ian Clyde who became Chair in 2009.
"I would like to thank Ian for his work over the past three years," Mr O'Brien said.
"His hard work and direction are a testament to the success of the BLA's ability to ensure Victoria continues to have a strong, transparent and robust licensing system.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing Deputy Chair Darryl Annett, who is also Chair of the MCTCC, and outgoing Member Julienne Parsons for their dedication and commitment."
"Their service has left the BLA in a strong position to meet the challenges of the future."
The BLA is an independent regulator responsible for determining licence applications to work as conveyancers, estate agents, motor car traders, second-hand dealers, pawnbrokers and travel agents.
The MCTCC is to consider and determine claims made against the Motor Car Traders Guarantee Fund, which protects consumers suffering financial losses after purchasing a car.
