Professor Allan Fels is an esteemed Australian economist, lawyer, and public servant known for his significant contributions to competition policy, consumer protection, and mental health reform. Born on February 7, 1942, he is widely recognised for his pivotal role as the Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) from its inception in 1995 until June 2003.
Professor Fels completed a Law/Economics degree at the University of Western Australia before earning his PhD in Economics from Duke University. He served as a Senior Lecturer in Economics at Monash University before becoming a Professor of Administration and Director of the Monash Graduate School of Management. Throughout his career, he has authored numerous publications in the field of competition law and policy.
Beyond academia, Professor Fels has held influential positions in various government bodies. Notably, he was the Chairman of the Trade Practices Commission (TPC) and the Prices Surveillance Authority. His work in promoting fair competition and consumer protection earned him the prestigious Order of Australia (AO) in 2001. Following his tenure at the ACCC, Professor Fels became the Foundation Dean of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) from 2003 to 2013.
Apart from his significant contributions in the realm of economics and regulation, Professor Fels has been deeply involved in mental health reform. He served as the Chair of the Australian National Mental Health Commission and has been a Commissioner of the Royal Commission into Mental Health in Victoria.
Currently, Professor Allan Fels continues to impart his knowledge and expertise as an Adjunct Professor at Monash University in the Faculty of Business and Economics and as a Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne. His dedication to fostering fair competition, consumer protection, and mental health advocacy remains unwavering. With his extensive experience and profound commitment to the betterment of society, Professor Fels continues to be an invaluable asset to the Australian community and beyond.