Business Regulation Benchmarking: Role of Local Government as Regulator

Commissioned study

The Australian Government, with the agreement of COAG's Business Regulation and Competition Working Group, has requested that the Productivity Commission undertake a benchmarking study into the role of local government as a regulator. This study is the fourth in a series of reviews benchmarking Australian business regulatory burdens.

In undertaking this study, the Productivity Commission has been requested to benchmark the extent to which particular approaches to the exercise of regulatory responsibilities by local government authorities affects costs incurred by business and specifically to:

• identify the scope of local government regulatory responsibilities in each state and territory
• clarify the extent to which the local government role includes implementing policies of national and state/territory governments
• assess whether different responsibilities and the approach taken to their exercise has a material impact on business costs
• identify best practices which have the capacity to reduce unnecessary regulatory costs for business.

The study will develop indicators to benchmark the performance of jurisdictions and facilitate regulatory improvements, and will draw on leading practice approaches both across Australia and overseas.

Contact

Christine Underwood (administrative matters)
Ph: 02 6240 3262

Sue Holmes (other matters)
Ph: 02 6240 3351

Free call: 1800 020 083
Fax: 02 6240 3377
Email: localgov@pc.gov.au

Further information

• Performance Benchmarking of Australian Business Regulation