Treasurer Peter Costello , and the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane MP, today announced that the Productivity Commission will undertake a research study into the Australian Government’s relationship with Standards Australia Limited and the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA).
The Government enjoys close relationships with Standards Australia and NATA and recognises them as Australia’s peak bodies in standards development and laboratory accreditation respectively.
Both are private sector, not-for-profit organisations and receive funding from the Government to represent Australian interests in key international standards writing and conformity assessment forums.
The Treasurer said the study would help to define the appropriate role for the Australian Government in standard setting and laboratory accreditation, and funding of related activities.
Minister Macfarlane said that the review of the relationships is timely, as it has been more than ten years since the last inquiry. ‘This study will look at the history of the relationship between the Australian Government and these organisations, the cost impact on and benefits to business and the wider community of standards, including in regulation, and models in operation overseas.’
The Commission is to publish its report by November 2006.
The terms of reference for the study are attached.
Further information on the study can be obtained from the Productivity Commission’s website at www.pc.gov.au or by contacting the Commission directly on (02) 6240 3239.
Terms of Reference
REVIEW OF AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S RELATIONSHIP WITH STANDARDS AUSTRALIA LIMITED AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TESTING AUTHORITIES, AUSTRALIA
Productivity Commission Act 1998
THE PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION IS REQUESTED TO UNDERTAKE, IN THE CONTEXT OF AUSTRALIA’S NEED FOR AN EFFECTIVE AND INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED AND HARMONISED STANDARDS AND CONFORMANCE INFRASTRUCTURE, A RESEARCH STUDY REVIEWING THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S RELATIONSHIP WITH STANDARDS AUSTRALIA LIMITED AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TESTING AUTHORITIES, AUSTRALIA.
In undertaking the study the Commission is to examine and make recommendations on:
- the efficiency and effectiveness of standards setting and laboratory accreditation services in Australia;
- the appropriate role for the Australian Government in relation to standard setting and laboratory accreditation;
- the appropriate terms for Memoranda of Understanding between the Australian Government and its agencies and Standards Australia Limited and the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia; and
- the appropriate means of funding activities of Standards Australia Limited and the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia, which are deemed to be in the national interest.
In preparing the report, the Commission is to have regard to:
- the history of the relationship between the Australian Government and bodies that prepare standards and accredit laboratories;
- the cost impact on and benefits to business and the wider community of standards, including in regulation; and
- models in operation overseas.
The Commission is required to provide a final report within 9 months of receipt of this reference.
The report is to be published.