Rod Stowe has been an avid campaigner for consumer rights during his 41 years in the NSW public sector, working in areas across the State Pollution Control Board, the Department of Education and Local Government and the State Superannuation Board before joining the Department of Business and Consumer Affairs in 1989.
As the state-wide head of Fair Trading's Customer Service Division, Mr Stowe demonstrated an enduring commitment to Fair Trading's comprehensive engagement with regional New South Wales. As Head of Fair Trading’s Policy and Strategy Division he was a leading figure in the development of the Australian Consumer Law and many other national reform projects, including the Consumer Credit Law. He also led the New South Wales Government’s consumer protection strategy for the Sydney 2000 Olympic games.
Mr Stowe was a recipient of the Public Service Medal for services to consumer protection in the 2011 Queens Birthday Honours List and won the CHOICE Consumer Champion Award in 2017.
He was NSW Commissioner for Fair Trading for six years and was a regular media commentator on consumer protection issues. In this role he oversaw many consumer protection projects, including the NSW Government’s Purchase and Demolition Program for homes containing loose-fill asbestos insulation.
He is the current Chair of the Consumer Advocacy Trust Board, community member of the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW Board, member of the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) Board and a member of the Renewable Energy Sector Board.