This paper introduces a study into the cost structures of the retail trade industry, and invites the public to make submissions. Summary Within the broader context of the relative costs of doing business in Australia, the Australian Government has asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a study into the cost structures of the retail trade...

A number of barriers that prevent people from resolving civil disputes in a timely and affordable way should be removed, according to this draft report, which invites submissions from the public. Key points: There are widespread concerns that Australia's civil justice system is too slow, too expensive and too adversarial. But the notion of a...

Summary : The framework set out in this paper provides guidance for auditing the performance of regulators in regard to the compliance costs they impose on business and other regulated entities. It complements other frameworks that are used to assess the performance of regulators in regard to their efficiency and effectiveness, and processes for ex...

The overriding message of this draft report is the need for a comprehensive overhaul of processes in the assessment and development of public infrastructure projects. There are numerous examples of poor value for money arising from inadequate project selection. Without reform, more spending will simply increase the cost to users, taxpayers, the community generally, and...

Introduction: This report provides a description of resource exploration, the role of governments, and examines the exploration licencing process. It summarises the regulatory approvals that explorers are required to obtain in order to undertake mineral and energy resource exploration, specifically in relation to land access, Indigenous and non-Indigenous heritage, environment and public geoscience information. It...