Long-time consumer rights advocate Catriona Lowe has been nominated as Deputy Chairperson of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

She takes up the role on January 27 2023.

Ms Lowe is currently a board member of the Australian Energy Regulator and has held a range of consumer advocacy roles, including with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, the Consumer Action Law Centre, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and the ACCC.

The government has proposed that Delia Rickard’s current term as Deputy Chairperson be extended until Ms Lowe’s appointment begins

Ms Rickard has been in the role since 2012.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government looked forward working with Ms Lowe and Ms Rickard on key consumer protection issues including fighting against online scams.

The appointment will be recommended to the Governor-General once the the states and territories have given their support.