Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Payne for her question. She raises the very important issue of the deregulation agenda of COAG. I will have to take part of the question on notice in the sense of getting an update on the progress of each of the 12 key reforms, but it is worth noting that the Prime Minister, with senior business representatives, made the commitment a couple of weeks ago to really drive these agendas, because I think it is the case that some of these reforms have become bogged down. I know that in my area there is the question about licensing and standardisation of licences across Australia, and I think we have seen a real inertia from many of the states in responding to what is an important economic reform.

The deregulation agenda of COAG is an important one. The Senate would be aware that there is a COAG meeting on 13 or 14 April. No doubt these issues will again be on the agenda. I will attempt to get Senator Payne an update on the progress of each of the reforms. But I think it is very clear that the Prime Minister has recommitted to driving that agenda and to try and harness business to make the case and to work with the Commonwealth and the states to drive this reform. It is too easy for these reforms to get bogged down in the Public Service negotiations between the Commonwealth and the states. We have made good progress, but there is more that needs to be done. This government is absolutely committed to driving those reforms for the benefit of the Australian economy and the Australian people.