One of the first things Rod Sims plans to do in his new role as Chair of the Opera Australia Board is to head to Melbourne to talk and listen to people, believing as he does that OA should be doing more in Melbourne than it has done in recent years, and certainly more than it has programmed for the 2023 season.

On top of that, he is keen to see the company undertaking collaborations around the country, so that it is truly is the national opera company.

Rod Sims, the new Chair of the Opera Australia Board. Photo supplied

Sims’ appointment was announced today by Opera Australia. He will join the Board and take up the position of Chair at the end of this month, replacing Professor Glyn Davis, who has been handpicked by the Albanese Government to become the Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Sims was named an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2022 for his service to public administration in economic policy and regulatory roles. He was Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for 11 years from August...