Call for Public Submissions on Better Regulation of Industrial Chemicals
The Australian Government is inviting submissions for the review of the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme.
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Previous MinistersJoint Release
Senator the Hon Nick Sherry
Minister Assisting on Deregulation and Public Sector Superannuation
The Hon Catherine King MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing
1 November 2011The Gillard Government is inviting interested parties and individuals to provide input into the review of the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS).
The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King MP, and the Minister Assisting on Deregulation, Senator Nick Sherry, today encouraged stakeholders to provide written submissions to inform the review.
The review is being carried out as a Better Regulation Ministerial Partnership, and is investigating how regulation of industrial chemicals can be improved to achieve better public and environmental health outcomes, and enhance the competitiveness of the Australian chemical industry.
Ms King said the role of NICNAS is to provide scientific assessment of the risks to public health, occupational health and safety and the environment from industrial chemicals.
“It is important that we get the regulation of these chemicals right so that the Australian community as well as our environment is safeguarded from the potential risks associated with these substances,” Ms King said
”The review of NICNAS comes in response to calls from both industry and community sectors to improve the regulation of industrial chemicals in Australia. This is an opportunity for all stakeholders to provide their input into this important review.”
Senator Sherry said public submissions will contribute to the development of reform options to be included in a consultation paper to be published early next year.
“According to the most recent data from 2007-08, the chemicals industry represented $11.8 billion of value added and accounted for around 11 per cent of the manufacturing sector,” Senator Sherry said
“This Better Regulation Ministerial Partnership aims to ensure that regulation of industrial chemicals is best practice. Addressing compliance costs and encouraging innovation will lead to improved outcomes for the Australian chemical industry and our community.”
Written submissions should address:
- the role and functions of NICNAS as set out in the Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989 and the extent to which they adequately reflect stakeholder expectations and international best practice, having regard to the broader context of chemicals regulation in Australia;
- the governance and consultation arrangements of NICNAS and the extent to which they support the effective delivery of NICNAS’s functions;
- the efficiency and effectiveness of NICNAS’s operating arrangements and business processes, with particular regard to the protection of human and environmental health, the management of risk, and compliance costs for business; and
- any implications for and any constraints on transferring risk management functions to alternative agencies.
Submissions can be provided via email to NICNAS.review@health.gov.au , or mail to
NICNAS Review
Department of Health and Ageing
MDP 88
GPO Box 9848
CANBERRA ACT 2609
For more information on the public submission process and the review please see: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ohp_nicnas_review.htm
For more information please contact the Parliamentary Secretary’s Office on 02 6277 4230
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