“Treasurer Scott Morrison’s decision to discuss competition reforms with state and territory Treasurers in the key areas of human services delivery, planning and zoning, infrastructure regulation, road pricing and retail trading hours, is a much welcome renewal of the policy discussion about making Australia more competitive,” BCA Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott said.

“The successful National Competition Reforms of the 1990s demonstrated that the economic benefits from competition policy reform can only be fully realised if all levels of government work together to achieve a common objective.

“Potentially far-reaching changes to the delivery of human services are to be discussed. These would require extensive program redesign, but the benefits to recipients from greater choice and innovation could be substantial. 

“The discussion amongst the Treasurers on Friday is a crucial first step towards putting in place a detailed competition reform program with supporting institutional arrangements,” Ms Westacott said.

For further information contact:
Scott Thompson, Director, Media and Public Affairs
Business Council of Australia
Telephone (03) 8664 2664 • Mobile 0403 241 128