COMPETITION watchdog Allan Fels chose a television profile of himself and his family to announce he would not seek another term because his daughter had schizophrenia.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission chairman told the ABC’s Australian Story, broadcast last night, that he would not seek reappointment when his current term expired in June 2004.

Professor Fels, 60, was first appointed head of the Prices Surveillance Authority in 1989 and became the first ACCC chairman in 1995.

He said his daughter Isabella’s illness had been a “very heavy burden” for his wife Isabel.

“Generally it affects my life a lot,” he said.

Professor Fels said he had spent too much time thinking about his work and had neglected his own inner emotional life.

He said that his constant absences for work had been “quite difficult for the family”.

Professor Fels said that he would like to return to academic life before he retired altogether, and would like to impart his knowledge to a new generation, “perhaps to future leaders in the public service”.

“I don’t see myself as a hero, just someone determined to do the right thing,” he said.

Treasurer Peter Costello said Professor Fels had been an energetic and effective chairman of the ACCC.

“I understand the personal circumstances and respect his decision,” Mr Costello said.

A spokeswoman for Mr Costello said Professor Fels had informed the Treasurer of his decision a couple of weeks ago.