Published Impact Analyses

Regulation Impact Statement – Department of Agriculture and Water Resources

On 3 May 2016, as part of revenue measures announced in the Australian Government’s 2016-17 Budget, the Government announced changes to regulations to introduce a new mandatory export fodder levy. The changes commencing on 1 July 2016 will introduce a statutory levy (as a charge of $0.50 per tonne) on all hay and straw exported. The aim of the levy, which was proposed by the export fodder industry, is to secure ongoing funding to support export fodder research, development and extension. This levy replaces a voluntary levy arrangement. A Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) prepared by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has been assessed as compliant and consistent with best practice by the Office of Best Practice Regulation. The RIS estimates the average annual regulatory cost at about $2000 per annum. The OBPR has agreed to the regulatory burden estimate.

Post-implementation Review – Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

In April 2009, the then Government announced the establishment of the National Broadband Network (NBN). In December 2010, the then Government announced its response to the NBN Implementation Study. Both announcements were exempted by the then Prime Minister from the Government’s RIS requirements, on the basis of exceptional circumstances. As a result, under the Government’s best practice requirements, the then Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy was required to complete a post-implementation review (PIR). Three separate reviews have been collectively used to meet the PIR requirements. These reviews included:

Regulation Impact Statement – Department of the Treasury

On 17 March 2016, the Minister for Small Business and Assistant Treasurer introduced the Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Choice of Fund) Bill 2016. The bill allows employees under enterprise agreements and workplace determinations to choose the fund into which their compulsory employer superannuation payments are made. A Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) was prepared by the Department of the Treasury and assessed as compliant and consistent with best practice by the Office of Best Practice Regulation. The RIS estimates the proposal will increase regulatory burden by $3.97 million per annum. The OBPR agreed to the regulatory costs and offsets.

Department of the Treasury

On 10 February 2016 the Commonwealth Treasurer introduced the Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2016 Measures No. 1) Bill 2016. The bill amends the farm management deposit provisions in the income tax law to:

• increase the cap on farm management deposits from $400,000 to $800,000;
• reintroduce early access provisions for farmers experiencing severe financial difficulty; and
• allow the use of farm management deposits to offset business loans.

The Department of the Treasury was assessed as compliant with the Government’s RIS requirements and consistent with best practice by the Office of Best Practice Regulation (OBPR). The proposals are expected to increase regulatory costs by $854,000 per annum. The costs and offsets were agreed with the OBPR.

Regulation Impact Statement – Department of Defence

COAG Decision Regulation Impact Statement – Council of Australian Governments

On 2 May 2016, the Australian Government added four toxic chemicals to a revised voluntary National Code of Practice for Chemicals of Security Concern. The voluntary National Code of Practice for Chemicals of Security Concern promotes effective chemical security management practices. Businesses are encouraged to consider their specific context and integrate the Code into existing practices, policies and procedures. The Code provides advice for workplaces that handle 15 high-risk chemicals. It contains practical security tips including:

COAG Decision Regulation Impact Statement – Meeting of Environment Ministers

Post-implementation Review – Defence

Remaking of sunsetting instrument without significant amendments - Department of Employment

Independent Review – Department of Employment

On 18 April 2016, the Government introduced a bill to repeal the Road Safety Remuneration Act 2012 and thereby abolish the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal. The changes also allow the Minister to make Rules dealing with transitional matters. The Government’s decision was informed by an independent report, which reviewed the road safety remuneration system. The review was certified by the Department of Employment as meeting the requirements of a Regulation Impact Statement. Under the Australian Government Guide to Regulation, the Office of Best Practice Regulation (OBPR) does not assess independent reviews. The Department has estimated average regulatory savings of $444.5 million per annum, which were agreed with the OBPR.