Media Release

COAG must throw its full weight behind reforms

15 November 2011

Chairman Paul McClintock today said that while governments are making real progress on COAG’s reform agenda, more commitment and leadership is required to realise the full potential of reform.

Speaking at the launch of COAG reform agenda: Report on progress 2011, Mr McClintock said COAG has established a solid foundation for cooperation–through the Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations–around its national reform agenda.

“But for COAG to really succeed it must go beyond the principles of the IGA–the basis of the COAG reform agenda–and build a culture of trust and cooperation within and between governments,” Mr McClintock said.

“Put simply, it is critical that COAG throws its full weight behind these reforms.”

“As we have always said, this requires strong political leadership and determined effort from all governments.”

The IGA aims to advance collaboration between governments by fostering greater flexibility in service delivery, alongside a stronger commitment to public accountability for achieving outcomes.

“The institutional framework as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and so it’s crucial that any weaknesses in the framework are fixed so they don’t affect the success of intergovernmental collaboration.”

In this second annual progress report the council has found that 20 of the 26 major reform commitments are currently on schedule.

And Mr McClintock said that while this is a positive result, there is clearly more work to be done.

“We are disappointed that some reform commitments–such as the national Rental Affordability Scheme, improving the availability of social housing and the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency–are behind schedule.”

“Further progress is needed on COAG’s reform commitments, but we recognise it will take time for COAG to meet its long-term goals,” Mr McClintock said.

“Our key message to COAG is this: this reform agenda is significant and there is a great deal to be achieved. But for it to succeed in the long-term, now is the time to roll up your sleeves and give this your full commitment.”

“Our message to the community is equally as important: if you want to see these reform commitments realised, get involved and find out more about what your government is achieving.”

The Productivity Commission has estimated that regulation and competition reforms could boost national economic output by nearly 2 per cent of GDP, and that human capital reforms–aimed at boosting participation and productivity–could increase GDP by up to 9 per cent.

COAG’s reform agenda covers the key areas of health, Indigenous reform, education, skills, disability services, housing, water, and a range of competition and regulatory reforms.

Media contacts: Eloise Robertson 02 8229 7377, 0419 346 890; Megan Towill 02 8229 7368, 0409 405 152

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