I am today releasing annual reports on the Commonwealth’s progress in undertaking Legislation Review and the implementation of Competitive Neutrality policy in 1996-97.

The 1996-97 reports are the first in a series of annual reports that will outline progress by the Commonwealth in these two key areas of national competition policy. The reports are required under the Competition Principles Agreement, which was signed by the Commonwealth, States and Territories in April 1995. This agreement, together with the other National Competition Policy intergovernmental agreements, sets out the structure for national competition policy reforms to the year 2000.

The Commonwealth Legislation Review Annual Report, 1996-97 provides a report on progress made by the Commonwealth in the review and reform of legislation which restricts competition or has an impact on business.

Progress in implementing competitive neutrality is outlined in the Commonwealth Competitive Neutrality Annual Report, 1996-97. The report notes that the majority of significant business activities identified in the Commonwealth Competitive Neutrality Policy Statement have undergone, or are undergoing, structural reform aimed at eliminating the resource allocation distortions arising from the public ownership of these activities.

Both reports are available on Treasury’s internet home page: http://www.treasury.gov.au.

CANBERRA, ACT

23 February 1998

Contact Officer: Peter Greagg

Telephone: (02) 62633872