Geoff Swier’s contribution to farrierswier

The farrierswier team gathered in Melbourne this month to acknowledge Geoff Swier’s significant contribution to farrierswier over almost three decades. While Geoff is not fully retiring, he is stepping back from day-to-day involvement with farrierswier – remaining on call for any complex projects that draw on his skillset and extensive experience.

Geoff has played a pivotal role in farrierswier since day one. Geoff, Shaun Dennison, Sally Farrier and Linda McMillan first worked together on the 1990s electricity reforms in the Victorian Government and then went on to co-found Farrier Swier Consulting in 1999.

They came together to create farrierswier to continue adding value on issues that mattered for the community – and importantly, they wanted to create a work culture and environment that consciously broke from the conventions of traditional corporate or consulting models.

There are some aspects of Geoff’s character and career that stand out for us:

• a formidable intellect with a rare ability to untangle and resolve the most complex market and regulatory problems — he is always in search of the intelligent solution to the challenging problem
• insight that consistently pushes us to think harder, dig deeper, and challenge assumptions
• a dry, perfectly timed sense of humour that lightens even the most intense policy debate or long workshop
• a pivotal contribution to Australian energy market reform over several decades, including Victorian electricity and gas reforms and major national reform processes
• intellectual leadership on landmark initiatives, including the AER’s NewReg trial and the independent review of the ESC’s PREMO model
• trusted governance experience, serving as an AER member and Non-Executive Director of Tilt Renewables, Trustpower and VENCorp
• unwavering loyalty to farrierswier — Geoff is a principled voice of reason, deeply committed to our people, our reputation, and delivering advice that truly makes a difference.

We also recognise and sincerely thank Geoff’s wife Merril for her steadfast support over the years.

This is not by any means a final goodbye, but we’re taking this opportunity to celebrate Geoff’s significant contributions and achievements as he scales down his involvement with farrierswier. We know that his future holds some well-deserved travel adventures, and we wish him and Merril all the best as they explore the world.

Geoff, thank you so much for your collegiality, support, and friendship over the years!