Published impact analyses for decisions announced by the Australian Government, ministerial forums and national standard setting bodies.
Regulation Impact Statement – Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
On 20 September 2021, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) announced final reporting standards to address critical data gaps in the current reporting framework.
National Electricity Amendment (Primary Frequency Response Incentive Arrangements) Rule 2021
Decided by
Australian Energy Market Commission
Problem being addressed
The performance of system frequency control during normal power system operation is being negatively affected by disincentives to the provision of primary frequency response from generators.
Remaking of Sunsetting Instrument without significant amendments – Department of Health
On 23 September 2021, the Department of Health remade without significant amendments the Restricted Medicine Specification 2011, which was due to sunset on 1 October 2021. The newly made Therapeutic Goods (Restricted Medicines) Specification 2021 will sunset on 1 October 2031.
The Specification specifies medicines or classes of medicines for the purpose of the definition of ‘restricted medicine’ in subsection 3(1) of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, for which a Product Information document is required to be submitted to the Therapeutic Goods Administration as part of an application for registration.
Department/Agency
Australian Building Codes Board
Decided by
Building Ministers
Problem being addressed
The residential building sector is a major source of energy demand and use. While Australia has made considerable progress in the energy performance of residential buildings, there is still opportunity to implement actions that could further reduce the energy consumption of the sector.
Regulation Impact Statement – Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
On 2 September 2021, the Australian Government introduced the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill 2021 into Parliament.
Australia’s current regulatory environment does not provide a defined approvals pathway or protections for proponents looking to establish offshore electricity infrastructure facilities in Commonwealth waters, leading to a number of risks.
The RIS examines options to increase clarity in the regulatory environment to support an efficient and effective offshore electricity undertaking, throughout construction, operation and decommissioning.
Independent Review – Department of Health
Remaking of Sunsetting Instrument without Significant Amendments – Australian Securities and Investments Commission
On September 8, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) remade with only minor amendments the ASIC Corporations (Employee redundancy funds relief) Instrument 2015/1150, which was due to sunset on 1 October 2021. The newly remade ASIC Corporations (Employee redundancy funds relief) Instrument 2021/767 will now sunset on 1 October 2024.
Agency
Australian Transport Safety Bureau
Announcement date
6 September 2021
Problem being addressed
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
On 1 September 2021, the Government introduced the Biosecurity Amendment (Enhanced Risk Management) Bill 2021 into Parliament.
The Bill will enhance the operation of the biosecurity framework to strengthen the management of human health risks across maritime and aviation pathways, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of administration, and increase a range of civil and criminal penalties.
Amendments to the Biosecurity Act will provide for human biosecurity group directions to be made to manage the risk posed by classes of people who have, or may have been exposed to, a listed human disease such as COVID-19, and have travelled to Australia, such as passengers on board a cruise ship.
Commonwealth-State Regulation Impact Statement – Department of Health
On 20 July 2021, the Gene Technology Ministers’ Meeting (GTMM), considered a Decision Regulation Impact Statement (Decision RIS) and endorsed the preferred option to address key recommendations of the Third Review of the National Gene Technology Scheme.
The RIS assessed options for delivering a more flexible, streamlined and risk-based regulatory process that future-proofs the Scheme, enables efficiencies, and relieves regulatory burden.