APEC DEREGULATION REPORT 2000

Chapter 10 : Deregulation/ Regulatory Review

Objective

APEC Economies will facilitate free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific Region by, inter alia:

(a) Improving the transparency of regulatory regimes ; and

(b) Eliminating those distortions arising from domestic regulations that restrict trade or investment and are not necessary to achieve a legitimate objective.

Guidelines

Each APEC economy will:

(a) explore economy-wide processes for the transparent identification and review of those domestic regulations that may cause distortions that restrict trade or investment, ensuring that reviews consider whether identified distortions are necessary to achieve a legitimate objective; and

(b) consider the adoption of regulatory reform programs that seek to reduce the costs of regulation of particular industries or sectors whilst maintaining the achievement of legitimate objectives.

Collective Actions

APEC Economies have agreed to take collective actions to help achieve these goals. These actions are contained in Collective Action Plans (CAPs) which are updated annually. The current CAP relating to deregulation/regulatory review can be found in the Deregulation Collective Action Plan.

APEC Principles to Enhance Competition and Regulatory Reform

The APEC Leader’s Declaration of September 1999 endorsed the following Principles: Non Discrimination

(a) Application of competition and regulatory principles in a manner that does not discriminate between or among economic entities in like circumstances, whether these entities are foreign or domestic.

Comprehensiveness

(b) Broad application of competition and regulatory principles to economic activity including goods and services, and private and public business activities.

(c) The recognition of the competition dimension of policy development and reform which affects the efficient functioning of markets.

(d) The protection of the competitive process and the creation and maintenance of an environment for free and fair competition.

(e) The recognition that competitive markets require a good overall legal framework, clear property rights, and non discriminatory, efficient and effective enforcement.

(g) Clear responsibility within domestic administrations for the implementation of the competition and efficiency dimension in the development of policies and rules, and their administration.

As part of its competition policy, Australia has laid down principles and processes for reviewing existing and proposed legislation that restricts competition.

The guiding principle in reviewing legislation is that it should not restrict competition unless it can be demonstrated that:

. the benefits of the restriction to the community as a whole outweigh the costs; and

. the objectives of the legislation can only be achieved by restricting competition.

By committing to reform legislation that unnecessarily restricts competition, Australia’s

. helping to eliminate trade and investment distortions arising from domestic regulations.

*Australia's Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review in 2000*
*Section*	*Improvements Implemented* *Since Last IAP*	*Current Regulatory Review Policies / Arrangements*	*Further Improvements Planned*
*General Policy* *Position*	A Productivity Commission Report “Impact of Competition Policy Reforms on Rural and Regional Australia” was released In October 1999. http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiry/comp ol/finalreport/index.html A Report of the Senate Select Committee on the Socio- Economic Consequences of the National Competition Policy was released in February 2000. http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/comm ittee/ncp_ctte/final/index.htm The Government responded to the Productivity Commission and Senate Select Committee Reports on Competition Policy on 10 August 2000. http://www.treasurer.gov.au/treasure r/pressreleases/2000/084.asp A review of the National Competition Policy Agreements, including the Competition	Australia’s National Competition Policy was established by three Intergovernmental agreements, including the Competition Principles Agreement, signed by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments. In the Competition Principles Agreement, Australia has laid down principles and processes for reviewing legislation that restricts competition. The guiding principle in reviewing legislation is that it should not restrict competition unless it can be demonstrated that: . the benefits of the restriction to the community as a whole outweigh the costs; and . the objectives of the legislation can only be achieved by restricting competition. Australia's Commonwealth, State and Territory governments have: . developed a timetable for the review and, where appropriate, reform of all existing legislation that restricts competition by the year 2000; . committed to ensuring that proposals for new legislation that restrict competition must be accompanied by evidence that the legislation is consistent with the guiding principle; . committed to systematically review the aforementioned legislation at least once every ten years.	Consideration of the recommendations of the review of the National Competition Policy Agreements.

*Australia's Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review in 2000*
*Section*	*Improvements Implemented* *Since Last IAP*	*Current Regulatory Review Policies / Arrangements*	*Further Improvements Planned*
	Principles Agreement, commenced in 2000.	see Regulation and its Review 1998/99- Productivity Commission http://www.pc.gov.au/research/annrpt/reglnrev9899/i ndex.html see Commonwealth National Competition Policy Annual Report 1997/98 http://www.treasury.gov.au/publications/AnnualRep orts/CommonwealthNationalCompetitionPolicyAnnua lReport1997-98/index.asp
*Identification and Review of Proposed Regulations*	In 1998-99, 201 Commonwealth regulations tabled before Parliament complied with RIS requirements (an 89 per cent compliance rate). A review of the National Competition Policy Agreements, including the Competition Principles Agreement, commenced in 2000.	As part of the National Competition Policy, Australia's Commonwealth, State and Territory governments have committed to ensuring that proposals for new legislation that restrict competition are adopted only if it can be demonstrated that the benefits of the restriction to the community as a whole outweigh the costs, and the objectives of the legislation can only be achieved by restricting competition. For the Federal Government, this commitment is achieved through the Regulation Impact Statement process. The States and Territories have adopted similar processes. Identification: A Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) must be prepared for new regulatory proposals (this	Further improvement in the quality of RIS compliance for Commonwealth legislation, particularly at the policy approval stage. Consideration of the recommendations of the review of the National Competition Policy Agreements.

*Australia's Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review in 2000*
*Section*	*Improvements Implemented* *Since Last IAP*	*Current Regulatory Review Policies / Arrangements*	*Further Improvements Planned*
		includes primary and delegated legislation) and treaties involving regulation which directly affect business, which have a substantial indirect effect on business or which restrict competition. The final decision on whether a RIS should be prepared is made by the Office of Regulation Review (ORR). The ORR is part of the Productivity Commission, an independent Commonwealth agency that serves as the Government's principal review and advisory body on microeconomic policy and regulation. Review bodies: RISs are prepared by the department, agency, statutory authority or board responsible for a regulatory proposal, and involve consultation with affected parties. The ORR is responsible for examining and advising on the adequacy of RISs. The ORR also provides advice to Cabinet, the Prime Minister/Minister(s) — and, as necessary, the Assistant Treasurer — on the adequacy of RISs. Review process / criteria: A RIS sets out the relevant policy objective along with all the viable alternatives for achieving that objective.

*Australia's Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review in 2000*
*Section*	*Improvements Implemented* *Since Last IAP*	*Current Regulatory Review Policies / Arrangements*	*Further Improvements Planned*
		A RIS analyses the benefits and costs of the options identified. The analysis is not restricted to tangible or monetary items and, where applicable, should include possible changes in environmental amenity, health and safety outcomes, etc. The Government has decided that a Trade Impact Assessment (TIA) should be included in RISs for all proposals that have a direct bearing on export performance. The TIA should summarise the impact of regulatory options and proposals on exporters and assess the overall impact on Australia’s international trade. Receiving and responding to review: RISs assist the Government in choosing the alternative with the maximum positive impact. Draft RISs must be circulated with the draft submission/proposal for the information of departments/agencies. RISs must also accompany the relevant Cabinet submission or letter to the Prime Minister seeking approval of the proposal. Where policy approval external to the portfolio is not required, a draft RIS should be attached to a letter advising the Prime Minister of the intention to implement the proposal.

*Australia's Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review in 2000*
*Section*	*Improvements Implemented* *Since Last IAP*	*Current Regulatory Review Policies / Arrangements*	*Further Improvements Planned*
		The Assistant Treasurer has been given overall policy responsibility to ensure compliance with regulatory best practice procedures. see A Guide to Regulation- Office of Regulation Review http://www.pc.gov.au/orr/reguide2/index.html see Regulation and its Review 1998/99- Productivity Commission http://www.pc.gov.au/research/annrpt/reglnrev9899/i ndex.html see Commonwealth National Competition Policy Annual Report 1997/98 http://www.treasury.gov.au/publications/AnnualRep orts/CommonwealthNationalCompetitionPolicyAnnua lReport1997-98/index.asp
*Identification and Review of Existing Regulations*	24 reviews of existing Commonwealth legislation are currently underway. A review of the National Competition Policy Agreements, including the Competition Principles Agreement, commenced in 2000.	As part of the National Competition Policy, Australia has committed to the review, and where appropriate, reform of all existing legislation that restricts competition by the year 2000. Once existing legislation has been reviewed, it is to be systematically reviewed at least once every ten years. The Commonwealth, States and Territories have	A further 17 reviews of existing legislation are expected to commence in the remainder of 2000. Completion of the Commonwealth, State and Territory Legislation Review Schedules and evaluation of performance.

*Australia's Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review in 2000*
*Section*	*Improvements Implemented* *Since Last IAP*	*Current Regulatory Review Policies / Arrangements*	*Further Improvements Planned*
		developed timetables for the review of their relevant legislation. Scheduling of reviews: The Commonwealth Legislation Review Schedule was finalised in 1996 following a vetting process by the ORR and the Council of Business Regulation, an independent advisory body comprising community and business representatives. The Schedule included 98 reviews originally, and since that time three more reviews have been added. Review bodies: Significant legislation is reviewed by bodies such as the Productivity Commission and independent committees of inquiry. Where appropriate, reviews may be undertaken by officials. All reviews involve public consultation and follow terms of reference agreed by the ORR. Review process / criteria: When assessing the benefits and costs of the legislation and alternatives, reviews take into account the following matters, where relevant: . ecologically sustainable development; . social welfare;	Consideration of the recommendations of the review of the National Competition Policy Agreements.

*Australia's Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review in 2000*
*Section*	*Improvements Implemented* *Since Last IAP*	*Current Regulatory Review Policies / Arrangements*	*Further Improvements Planned*
		. economic development and employment; . the interests of consumers; . business competitiveness; and . the efficient allocation of resources. Receiving and responding to review: 47 Commonwealth reviews have been completed since June 1996. The progress of the Commonwealth in completing and responding to reviews is reported in the Commonwealth NCP Annual Report and the Productivity Commission Report “Regulation and its Review”. Commonwealth and State progress is reported in the Legislation Review Compendium of the National Competition Council. see Commonwealth Legislation Review Schedule http://www.treasury.gov.au/publications/NationalCo mpetitionPolicy/CommonwealthLegislationReviewSch edule/index.asp see Regulation and its Review 1998/99- Productivity Commission http://www.pc.gov.au/research/annrpt/reglnrev9899/i ndex.html see Commonwealth National Competition Policy Annual Report 1997/98 http://www.treasury.gov.au/publications/AnnualRep

*Australia's Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review in 2000*
*Section*	*Improvements Implemented* *Since Last IAP*	*Current Regulatory Review Policies / Arrangements*	*Further Improvements Planned*
		orts/CommonwealthNationalCompetitionPolicyAnnua lReport1997-98/index.asp see Legislation Review Compendium- National Competition Council http://www.ncc.gov.au/nationalcompet/Legislation%2 0Review/Compendium/legislation_review_compendiu m.htm
*Reform of Industry/Sector Specific Regulation*	An independent competition policy review of Australia's wheat marketing arrangements commenced in early April 2000. The review is examining whether the single desk marketing arrangement for wheat produces benefits for Australia, as well as other related issues such as wheat quality and supply. The review is expected to be completed in December 2000. For further details, see: www.affa.gov.au/wma In March 2000 State and Territory Agriculture Ministers agreed in principle to deregulate farm gate milk price and supply	Australia has undertaken an extensive program of regulatory review, much of which has addressed industry or sector specific regulation. An ongoing process of regulatory reform has ensued (details are available in the Deregulation and Services chapters of earlier IAPs). Australia has reformed regulation relating to: . telecommunications; shipping; airports; aviation; rail; financial services; electricity; gas; passenger motor vehicles; textiles, clothing and footwear; pharmaceuticals; mineral exports; sugar; professions; and foreign investment (1996 IAP);occupational regulation; postal services; petroleum products; and quarantine (1997 IAP);food regulation; and wheat (1998 IAP);and wool and dairy (1999 IAP). For discussion on current regulatory reform in	For details of planned industry and sector specific regulatory reform, see: Commonwealth Legislation Review Schedule http://www.treasury.gov.au/public ations/NationalCompetitionPolicy/ CommonwealthLegislationReview Schedule/index.asp Regulation and its Review 1998/99- Productivity Commission http://www.pc.gov.au/research/an nrpt/reglnrev9899/index.html Commonwealth National Competition Policy Annual Report 1997/98

*Australia's Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review in 2000*
*Section*	*Improvements Implemented* *Since Last IAP*	*Current Regulatory Review Policies / Arrangements*	*Further Improvements Planned*
	arrangements. By 1 July 2000 all State Parliaments passed legislation repealing farm gate milk pricing regulation. The Australian and New Zealand Food Authority is currently completing a review of Food Standards with a view to achieving a consistent Food Standards Code across jurisdictions. For details of other industry and sector specific regulatory reform, see: Commonwealth Legislation Review Schedule http://www.treasury.gov.au/publicati ons/NationalCompetitionPolicy/Com monwealthLegislationReviewSchedu le/index.asp Regulation and its Review 1998/99- Productivity Commission http://www.pc.gov.au/research/annr pt/reglnrev9899/index.html Commonwealth National Competition Policy Annual Report 1997/98 http://www.treasury.gov.au/publicati ons/AnnualReports/Commonwealth	areas such as communications and transport, refer to sector-specific annexes to Chapter 3: Services. see Commonwealth Legislation Review Schedule http://www.treasury.gov.au/publications/NationalCo mpetitionPolicy/CommonwealthLegislationReviewSch edule/index.asp see Regulation and its Review 1998/99- Productivity Commission http://www.pc.gov.au/research/annrpt/reglnrev9899/i ndex.html see Commonwealth National Competition Policy Annual Report 1997/98 http://www.treasury.gov.au/publications/AnnualRep orts/CommonwealthNationalCompetitionPolicyAnnua lReport1997-98/index.asp see Legislation Review Compendium- National Competition Council http://www.ncc.gov.au/nationalcompet/Legislation%2 0Review/Compendium/legislation_review_compendiu m.htm	http://www.treasury.gov.au/publicat ions/AnnualReports/Commonwealth NationalCompetitionPolicyAnnualR eport1997-98/index.asp Legislation Review Compendium- National Competition Council http://www.ncc.gov.au/nationalcom pet/Legislation%20Review/Compen dium/legislation_review_compendiu m.htm For discussion on regulatory reform in areas such as communications and transport, refer to sector-specific annexes to Chapter 3: Services.

*Australia's Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review in 2000*
*Section*	*Improvements Implemented* *Since Last IAP*	*Current Regulatory Review Policies / Arrangements*	*Further Improvements Planned*
	NationalCompetitionPolicyAnnualRe port1997-98/index.asp Legislation Review Compendium- National Competition Council http://www.ncc.gov.au/nationalcom pet/Legislation%20Review/Compend ium/legislation_review_compendium .htm For discussion on current regulatory reform in areas such as communications and transport, refer to sector-specific annexes to Chapter 3: Services.

*Improvements in Australia’s Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review since 1996*
*Section*	*Position at Base Year (1996)*	*Cumulative Improvements Implemented to Date*
*General Policy* *Position*	Australia’s National Competition Policy was established by three Intergovernmental agreements, including the Competition Principles Agreement, signed by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments. In the Competition Principles Agreement, Australia laid down principles and processes for reviewing legislation that restricts competition. The guiding principle in reviewing legislation is that it should not restrict competition unless it can be demonstrated that: . the benefits of the restriction to the community as a whole outweigh the costs; and . the objectives of the legislation can only be achieved by restricting competition. Australia's Commonwealth, State and Territory governments: . developed a timetable for the review and, where appropriate, reform of all existing legislation that restricts competition by the year 2000; . committed to ensuring that proposals for new legislation that restrict competition must be accompanied by evidence that the legislation is consistent with the guiding principle; . committed to systematically review the aforementioned legislation at least once every ten years. see Regulation and its Review 1998/99- Productivity Commission http://www.pc.gov.au/research/annrpt/reglnrev9899/index.html	A Productivity Commission Report “Impact of Competition Policy Reforms on Rural and Regional Australia” was released In October 1999. http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiry/compol/finalreport/index.h tml A Report of the Senate Select Committee on the Socio-Economic Consequences of the National Competition Policy was released in February 2000. http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/ncp_ctte/final/ index.htm The Government responded to the Productivity Commission and Senate Select Committee Reports on Competition Policy on 10 August 2000. http://www.treasurer.gov.au/treasurer/pressreleases/200 0/084.asp A review of the National Competition Policy Agreements, including the Competition Principles Agreement, commenced in 2000.

*Improvements in Australia’s Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review since 1996*
*Section*	*Position at Base Year (1996)*	*Cumulative Improvements Implemented to Date*
	see Commonwealth National Competition Policy Annual Report 1997/98 http://www.treasury.gov.au/publications/AnnualReports/Com monwealthNationalCompetitionPolicyAnnualReport1997- 98/index.asp
*Identification and Review of* *Proposed Regulations*	As part of the National Competition Policy, Australia's Commonwealth, State and Territory governments committed to ensuring that proposals for new legislation that restrict competition are adopted only if it can be demonstrated that the benefits of the restriction to the community as a whole outweigh the costs, and the objectives of the legislation can only be achieved by restricting competition. For the Federal Government, this commitment was achieved through the Regulation Impact Statement process (finalised in 1997). The States and Territories adopted similar processes. Identification: A Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) must be prepared for new regulatory proposals (this includes primary and delegated legislation) and treaties involving regulation which directly affect business, which have a substantial indirect effect on business or which restrict competition. The final decision on whether a RIS should be prepared is made by the Office of Regulation Review (ORR). The	A second edition of the ORR’s ‘A Guide to Regulation’ was released in December 1998. This second edition incorporates Government decisions about regulatory best practice and quasi-regulation. The quality of RIS compliance for Commonwealth legislation has gradually improved since 1996. In 1998-99, 201 Commonwealth regulations tabled before Parliament complied with RIS requirements (an 89 per cent compliance rate). A review of the National Competition Policy Agreements, including the Competition Principles Agreement, commenced in 2000. see A Guide to Regulation- Office of Regulation Review http://www.pc.gov.au/orr/reguide2/index.html see Regulation and its Review 1998/99- Productivity Commission http://www.pc.gov.au/research/annrpt/reglnrev9899/inde x.html

*Improvements in Australia’s Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review since 1996*
*Section*	*Position at Base Year (1996)*	*Cumulative Improvements Implemented to Date*
	ORR is part of the Productivity Commission, an independent Commonwealth agency that serves as the Government's principal review and advisory body on microeconomic policy and regulation. Review bodies: RISs are prepared by the department, agency, statutory authority or board responsible for a regulatory proposal, and involve consultation with affected parties. The ORR is responsible for examining and advising on the adequacy of RISs. The ORR also provides advice to Cabinet, the Prime Minister/Minister(s) — and, as necessary, the Assistant Treasurer — on the adequacy of RISs. Review process / criteria: A RIS sets out the relevant policy objective along with all the viable alternatives for achieving that objective. A RIS analyses the benefits and costs of the options identified. The analysis is not restricted to tangible or monetary items and, where applicable, should include possible changes in environmental amenity, health and safety outcomes, etc. The Government decided that a Trade Impact Assessment (TIA) should be included in RISs for all proposals that have a direct bearing on export performance. The TIA should	see Commonwealth National Competition Policy Annual Report 1997/98 http://www.treasury.gov.au/publications/AnnualReports /CommonwealthNationalCompetitionPolicyAnnualRepor t1997-98/index.asp

*Improvements in Australia’s Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review since 1996*
*Section*	*Position at Base Year (1996)*	*Cumulative Improvements Implemented to Date*
	summarise the impact of regulatory options and proposals on exporters and assess the overall impact on Australia’s international trade. Receiving and responding to review: RISs assist the Government in choosing the alternative with the maximum positive impact. Draft RISs must be circulated with the draft submission/proposal for the information of departments/agencies. RISs must also accompany the relevant Cabinet submission or letter to the Prime Minister seeking approval of the proposal. Where policy approval external to the portfolio is not required, a draft RIS should be attached to a letter advising the Prime Minister of the intention to implement the proposal. The Assistant Treasurer was given overall policy responsibility to ensure compliance with regulatory best practice procedures.
*Identification and Review of* *Existing Regulations*	As part of the National Competition Policy, Australia has committed to the review, and where appropriate, reform of all existing legislation that restricts competition by the year 2000. Once existing legislation has been reviewed, it is to be systematically reviewed at least once every ten	Three reviews have been added to the Commonwealth Legislation Review Schedule since 1996: - Part IIA of the Health Insurance Act 1973— which

*Improvements in Australia’s Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review since 1996*
*Section*	*Position at Base Year (1996)*	*Cumulative Improvements Implemented to Date*
	years. The Commonwealth, States and Territories have developed timetables for the review of their relevant legislation. Scheduling of reviews: The Commonwealth Legislation Review Schedule was finalised in 1996 following a vetting process by the ORR and the Council of Business Regulation, an independent advisory body comprising community and business representatives. The Schedule originally included 98 reviews. Review bodies: Significant legislation is reviewed by bodies such as the Productivity Commission and independent committees of inquiry. Where appropriate, reviews may be undertaken by officials. All reviews involve public consultation and follow terms of reference agreed by the ORR. Review process / criteria: When assessing the benefits and costs of the legislation and alternatives, reviews take into account the following matters, where relevant: . ecologically sustainable development;	relates to the licensing of pathology collection centres; - the Marine Insurance Act 1909— which regulates all aspects of marine insurance; and - the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. 47 Commonwealth reviews have been completed since June 1996. 24 reviews of existing Commonwealth legislation are currently underway. A further 17 are expected to commence in the remainder of 2000. A review of the National Competition Policy Agreements, including the Competition Principles Agreement, commenced in 2000. see Commonwealth Legislation Review Schedule http://www.treasury.gov.au/publications/NationalCompe tition Policy/CommonwealthLegislationReviewSchedule/index. asp see Regulation and its Review 1998/99- Productivity Commission http://www.pc.gov.au/research/annrpt/reglnrev9899/inde x.html see Commonwealth National Competition Policy Annual Report 1997/98 http://www.treasury.gov.au/publications/AnnualReports

*Improvements in Australia’s Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review since 1996*
*Section*	*Position at Base Year (1996)*	*Cumulative Improvements Implemented to Date*
	. social welfare; . economic development and employment; . the interests of consumers; . business competitiveness; and . the efficient allocation of resources. Receiving and responding to review: The progress of the Commonwealth in completing and responding to reviews is reported in the Commonwealth NCP Annual Report and the Productivity Commission Report “Regulation and its Review”. Commonwealth and State progress is reported in The Legislation Review Compendium of the National Competition Council.	/CommonwealthNationalCompetitionPolicyAnnualRepor t1997-98/index.asp see Legislation Review Compendium- National Competition Council http://www.ncc.gov.au/nationalcompet/Legislation%20R eview/Compendium/legislation_review_compendium.htm
*Reform of Industry/Sector* *Specific Regulation*	Through the application of the guiding principle and processes outlined above, Australia implemented regulatory reform in the following industries and sectors in 1996: . telecommunications; . airports; . aviation; . rail; . financial services; . electricity; . gas; . passenger motor vehicles;	Continuing reform has been taking place in the industries and sectors discussed in Australia’s 1996 IAP (see 1997, 1998 and 1999 IAPs). Additional regulatory reform has been taking place with respect to: occupational regulation; postal services; petroleum products; and quarantine(1997 IAP); food regulation and wheat (1998 IAP); and

*Improvements in Australia’s Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review since 1996*
*Section*	*Position at Base Year (1996)*	*Cumulative Improvements Implemented to Date*
	. textiles, clothing and footwear; . pharmaceuticals, . mineral exports; . sugar, . professions; . foreign investment. For details refer to Australia’s 1996 Individual Action Plan.	has been taking place with respect wool and dairy (1999 IAP). An independent competition policy review of Australia's wheat marketing arrangements commenced in early April 2000. The review is examining whether the single desk marketing arrangement for wheat produces benefits for Australia, as well as other related issues such as wheat quality and supply. The review is expected to be completed in December 2000. In March 2000 State and Territory Agriculture Ministers agreed in principle to deregulate farm gate milk price and supply arrangements. By 1 July 2000 all State Parliaments passed legislation repealing farm gate milk pricing regulation. The Australian and New Zealand Food Authority is currently completing a review of Food Standards with a view to achieving a consistent Food Standards Code across jurisdictions. Refer to links for more detailed discussion of current industry and sector specific regulatory reform. For discussion on regulatory reform in areas such as communications and transport, refer to sector- specific annexes to Chapter 3: Services. see Commonwealth Legislation Review Schedule http://www.treasury.gov.au/publications/NationalCompe titionPolicy/CommonwealthLegislationReviewSchedule/i

*Improvements in Australia’s Approach to Deregulation/Regulatory Review since 1996*
*Section*	*Position at Base Year (1996)*	*Cumulative Improvements Implemented to Date*
		ndex.asp see Regulation and its Review 1998/99- Productivity Commission http://www.pc.gov.au/research/annrpt/reglnrev9899/inde x.html see Commonwealth National Competition Policy Annual Report 1997/98 http://www.treasury.gov.au/publications/AnnualReports /CommonwealthNationalCompetitionPolicyAnnualRepor t1997-98/index.asp see Legislation Review Compendium- National Competition Council http://www.ncc.gov.au/nationalcompet/Legislation%20R eview/Compendium/legislation_review_compendium.htm

APEC Agreements and Declarations

APEC DEREGULATION REPORT 2000 - AUSTRALIA