With just 11 months until governments are due to deliver their seamless national economy reforms, the COAG Reform Council has found 12 reforms are at risk of not being completed by December.

 

In releasing the third report on COAG's seamless national economy reforms council Chairman, Paul McClintock AO, said that while COAG has achieved a lot there is concern over some significant reforms yet to be delivered.

 

"We're urging COAG to take swift action on these 12 crucial reforms because time is running out," Mr McClintock said.

 

Reforms under threat include:

  • harmonised occupational health and safety laws
  • a national trade licensing system
  • a nationally consistent approach to the imposition of personal criminal liability on company directors
  • national regulation of the legal profession
  • energy reforms
  • better regulation of chemicals and plastics.

"These reforms impact businesses and individuals right across the country-they are an important part of boosting our productivity and labour mobility," Mr McClintock said.

 

"How well COAG delivers their seamless national economy reforms will directly impact Australia's economic output and competitive advantage for decades to come."

 

"A great deal has been achieved and governments are nearing the end of the race, but at the moment they're heading towards a bronze medal instead of gold," Mr McClintock said.

 

This report provides an assessment of the progress of the Commonwealth, States and Territories from 2008-09 to 2010-11.

 

The report also informs Commonwealth Government decisions on whether States and Territories should receive up to $200 million under the first tranche of reward payments for the delivery of the 27 deregulation priorities.

 

In 2008 the Commonwealth, States and Territories agreed to implement regulation and competition reforms under the National Partnership Agreement to Deliver a Seamless National Economy, which now covers 49 separate reforms.

 

The 49 reforms comprise 27 deregulation priorities, 17 areas of competition reform, and reform to regulation making and review processes. In 2009 and 2010 COAG agreed to four additional regulatory reforms.

 

Overall the report found that 37 reforms have been completed or are on track to be completed by the December deadline.

 

Snapshot of progress – seamless national economy reforms 2008-09 to 2010-11


Regulatory Reforms

Competition Reforms


Regulatory Reforms pie chart showing percentage outputs under risk (8), achieved (21) or timeframe at risk (3)Competition reforms pie chart showing 47% achieved or on track, 29% with timeframe at risk and 24% with output at risk

 

 

Download the full report – PDF 3.06MB.