Members

St Vincent de Paul Society

Gavin Dufty, National Director Energy Policy and Research

Gavin’s focus is on issues and challenges of disadvantage vulnerable households. He has undertaken research into electricity disconnections, changes in energy pricing, proposed rule changes and been involved in the development of state and federal energy consumer protection and concession frameworks.  

Gavin is currently a representative on several industry and government committees including gas and electricity distribution companies’ customer consultative committees; the AER’s / ESC customer consultative group and a Board member of Energy Consumers Australia. 

Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW (ECCNSW) 

Mary Karras, Chief Executive Officer 

Mary has extensive experience in consultations and engagements with multifaith, multilingual and multicultural community groups. She is a fervent advocate for equitable access to products and services and empowering culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) customers in decision making.  

Mary represents the views and perspectives of CALD communities (consumers and customers), and is a representative voice for those experiencing language barriers, limited digital skills and minimal financial literacy. Her involvement on Committees and Advisory Boards including energy sector and Sydney Water is aimed at delivering better outcomes and reduced costs for CALD energy users.  

As a state-wide peak body the core work of the Ethnic Communities' Council of NSW is community development, education and advocacy.

Independent Energy Customer Advocate

Colby Taylor

Colby is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in strategic engagement, stakeholder relationship management, and communication. She currently serves as the Associate Director – Corporate Affairs at Housing Australia, where she leads the development and execution of strategies that support the Federal Government's mission to deliver long-term, sustainable social and affordable housing across the nation. 

Previously, Colby was the Strategic Engagement Director at the Greater Cities Commission, overseeing community and stakeholder engagement across six city regions, driving economic precinct development, and addressing transformative city-shaping initiatives.

Colby’s interest stems from a passion for driving equitable access to essential services and fostering solutions that are customer-centric and sustainable, particularly in regional, remote and rural communities. 

Leah Tucker, Senior Policy Manager – Energy and Infrastructure 

Leah Tucker is a policy professional with a history of working in the private, public and not-for-profit sector both in Australia and overseas. She has worked on policy led strategy development, execution, and delivery of results focused on, infrastructure, sustainability, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation programs, Aboriginal community programs, placemaking and public space. 

Coupled with an environmental science and data background, she believes in using data to drive policy outcomes. Leah is currently Senior Policy Manager – Energy and Infrastructure for Business NSW. She has a particular interest in ensuring business in NSW, especially SMEs, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy and infrastructure needed to drive productivity and create a thriving NSW.

• Gavin Dufty (St Vincent de Paul Society)
• Mary Karras (Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW)
• Colby Taylor (independent)
• Leah Tucker (Business NSW)