Edition 56, May 2008

Mutual recognition review seeks comments

The Australian Government has asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a review of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) and the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA).

The Commission is to:

  • assess the coverage, efficiency and effectiveness of the MRA and TTMRA since they were last reviewed by the Commission in 2003, paying particular attention to:
    • the implementation of the 2003 review findings
    • matters identified by the Cross Jurisdictional Review Forum
    • matters identified by the COAG Skills Recognition Steering Committee
  • consider how administrative provisions can be amended and/or enhanced to support more efficient operation of the MRA and/or TTMRA
  • examine whether any components of overseas models of mutual recognition or any other changes might be made to enhance the functioning of the MRA and TTMRA
  • explore any possible implications for the operation of the TTMRA arising from participating jurisdictions - bilateral engagement with third countries.

The Commission will be consulting widely with interested parties in Australia and New Zealand. As part of its consultation process, the Commission has commenced discussions with a range of stakeholders to identify issues and relevant sources of information. The Commission is also calling for submissions to the study from interested parties.

A draft report setting out the Commission's preliminary conclusions will be released around October, with the final report to follow in January 2009. Interested parties will be given an opportunity to provide their views on the draft report through further submissions and/or attendance at roundtables to be held in Australia and New Zealand.

Submissions to the study will need to reach the Commission by July 2008 to enable their full consideration in the draft report. The Commission invites all interested individuals and organisations to participate in this study. To register interest visit www.pc.gov.au/study/mutualrecognition

The research findings contained in the final report will be presented to Australian Heads of Government and the New Zealand Prime Minister in January 2009.

For more information contact the Productivity Commission on 1800 020 083 or visit www.pc.gov.au/study/mutualrecognition

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